Excitement filled Somerset Academy, Sky Pointe Elementary School in Las Vegas with the announcement that fifth grader Jaylah Cudal won this year’s Nevada Free Fishing Day Poster Contest.
“When I first heard that Jaylah had won an art contest, I was so pleasantly surprised,” said Jeffrey Harris, Jaylah’s art teacher. Despite his excitement, Harris wasn’t shocked by her achievement. “My surprise at the great news came only because Jaylah is such a quiet and very shy girl. I am proud of Jaylah for winning the art contest, but I’m even prouder of the fact that she confidently came out of her shell to share her considerable talent with the world!”
Cudal surpassed over 200 entries from schools across Nevada. Her artwork will be featured on the Nevada Department of Wildlife’s Free Fishing Day poster and displayed in the 2026 Nevada Fishing Publication.
Reflecting on her win, Cudal shared, “I wasn’t that surprised when I found out that I won the contest, but my parents were surprised. They said things like, good job and gave me high fives!” She added about fishing, “I’ve gone fishing once and I really liked it. I went with my family, and I think it would be fun to go with my family more often.”
As part of her prize as first-place winner, Cudal’s family will enjoy a fishing outing with a professional angler. She will also receive a framed copy of her artwork and a fishing rod and reel.
Second place was awarded to Sadie Jackson from Lund School in Lund (White Pine County), while third place went to Sophie Kapolnai from John W. Bonner E.S. in Las Vegas. Both received a certificate along with a fishing rod and reel.
Free Fishing Day is scheduled for Saturday, June 14. The event allows anglers to fish any public waters in Nevada without a license while adhering to all limits and regulations. Additional information about local events can be found at www.ndow.org.
