Purcell 3rd grader in running for national Jr. Ranger

Purcell third grader Maddison Meskimen is in the running to win the national Jr. Ranger competition hosted by Jeff Corwin.
She is currently in the quarterfinals and votes from the public advance her in the six-week competition.
The winner will receive $20,000 towards college, as well as an article in Ranger Rick magazine.
If she wins, she will also have a chance to meet esteemed American biologist and wildlife conservationist, Jeff Corwin.
Voting is online and you can vote for Maddison by going to https://jr-ranger.org/2025/maddison-5f63.
Maddison is the daughter of Brian and Aleasha Meskimen.
Brian is the game warden in McClain County.
The Meskimens initially heard about the contest through one of Maddison’s teachers.
“Mrs. (Katrina) Wilkins heard about it and told us that Maddison’s name immediately came to mind,” Brian said.
The contest began in early June and lasts six weeks, with contestants advancing through voting rounds.
Maddison records weekly videos as part of the competition.
According to her page on the Jr. Ranger site she wants to be a paleontologist when she grows up and she enjoys digging for fossils.
“We told her she could spend a little of the money on Jurassic World toys if she wins,” Brian quipped. He said most of the money will be put back for her education to become a paleontologist.
According to her page, her favorite animal is a hyena because she says she laughs like one.
She loves to swim in the lake with her German Shepherd, Waffles.
Maddison loves all things outdoors and likes to go on nature hikes and explore.
She loves all animals and can find a game trail, which she explores to see what animals have been traveling on it. She also enjoys hunting for antler sheds in early spring.
“We’re having a lot of fun with (the competition),” Brian said.