CeCe McKinney, a 2018 graduate of Cathedral High School in Natchez, is contributing to the wildlife conservation efforts of Mississippi Ducks Unlimited.

This year, 12 junior duck stamp artists competed for the Mississippi Ducks Unlimited's sponsor print. Sponsor Chairman Scott Forrest came up with the idea as a way to get more youth involved in Ducks Unlimited and to shine another spotlight on the Junior Duck Stamp competition. The sponsor print will be framed and gifted to DU sponsors throughout the state.

"This is the first year the we've ever chosen a Junior Duck Stamp winner's painting for a sponsor print. We've always recognized our sponsors with gifts, but this year we've created what MS Ducks Unlimited calls a lsquo;green wing' sponsor print," Forrest said. "It's a great way to expose the next generation to the wildlife conservation efforts of Ducks Unlimited."

McKinney attended the state convention in Tupelo in July, where a signed print was sold during the live auction. Long-time DU Volunteer Beto Elizondo was the winning bidder on the artwork, which features a hooded merganzer.

McKinney is the daughter of Carlyn Elenbaas and Dan McKinney. She was a member of the National Honor Society and an athlete. She served as an active member of her school's soccer, tennis and cheerleading teams. She is currently studying at the Louisiana State University.