Gavin Ryan, a fifth grade student at Amherst Street Elementary School, is competing for the opportunity to be named this year’s Junior Ranger champion by Ranger Rick Magazine. Courtesy photo/JENNIFER RYAN

NASHUA – Gavin Ryan, a fifth grade student at Amherst Street Elementary School, is currently competing in this year’s Junior Ranger contest sponsored by Ranger Rick Magazine.

His mother, Jennifer Ryan, said he is one of five remaining contestants in his age group.

“He’s finished first in all three rounds,” she said, adding that contestants rely on votes to advance in the competition. The link to vote for Gavin is available at https://jr-ranger.org/2026/gavin-8531. One winner from each age group will advance to the final round. The competition ends on June 4 and the winner will be announced on June 19.

Should Gavin win the competition, he would be featured in Ranger Rick, have an exclusive wildlife experience with renowned biologist Jeff Corwin and receive $20,000.

Ryan said she first learned about the contest while scrolling through Facebook one night. She did not have to do much convincing to get her 10-year-old son on board.

“Gavin really loves animals,” she said. “I got an email the next day saying he was chosen for the competition.”

Ryan said her son’s passion for animals stems from the family’s volunteer work at Carriage Shack Farm in Londonderry.

“Gavin flourished, he’s a totally different kid around animals,” she said, adding that he is particularly fond of the farm’s reptiles. “He’s more sensitive to animals than he is to people.”

Ryan said Gavin has a basic understanding of the money he could potentially win. She said he has expressed that he would use some of it to make a charitable donation.

“He wants to help people before himself,” said Ryan.

Gavin said penguins, ducks, chameleons, bearded dragons and snakes are among his favorite animals.

“It feels amazing to be part of the competition and it would be really cool to win the chance to meet Jeff Corwin and see animals that we don’t see in New Hampshire,” he said. “The $20,000 is really cool too, I would like to donate some to a place that helps animals and do something nice for my mom and dad.”

Gavin’s father, Ray Ryan, said this experience will be a lifelong memory. He also recalled his own childhood, reading Ranger Rick and watching Corwin on television.

“The possibility of Gavin meeting Jeff Corwin and getting the opportunity to be hands-on with exotic animals is the greatest prize any child can ask for,” he said. “For my son to be considered is fantastic and the envy of any person, adult or child, who has experienced Ranger Rick.”