Poughkeepsie … Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino congratulates the winners and runners-up of the County’s “America Recycles Day Art Challenge,” organized by the Division of Solid Waste Management with the purpose of teaching local students about recycling and encouraging them to reuse items that might otherwise be thrown away.
“Dutchess County is so proud of the creativity and commitment shown by all participants in this year’s ‘America Recycles Day Art Challenge,’ ” said Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino. “By transforming everyday materials into works of art, these students are helping spread the message that taking care of our environment is a shared responsibility, while also showcasing the incredible creativity of our students. This initiative led to engaging conversations on the importance of recycling and sustainable practices, and served as a powerful reminder that small, creative steps can contribute to a significant impact on our environment.”
The art challenge celebrated innovative artistic creations made from recyclable and reusable materials, encouraging participants of all ages to reflect on the importance of recycling and sustainable practices. The contest was open to all elementary-, middle- and high-school-aged students in Dutchess County, with more than 50 students participating. The Division of Solid Waste Management has selected winners and runners-up in each of the following age categories:
Kindergarten to 2nd Grade
Winner: Luke Stouter, 1st Grade, Homeschooled, Battlebot, a sculpture made out of water bottles, cardboard, magazines, and other recyclable materials
3rd Grade to 5th Grade
Winner: Ms. Melissa Cascio's Class (Group 1), 4th Grade, Morse Elementary School, Fantastic Recycling Mid-Hudson Bridge: The 2-D Bridge, a recreation of the Mid-Hudson Bridge out of water bottles, tin foil, paper, and unused items that would have been thrown away.
Runner-up: Ms. Kathleen Orza's Class, 5th Grade, Warring Elementary School, Until You Spread Your Wings, You'll Have No Idea How Far You'll Fly, a scene that depicts a group of butterflies fluttering about, made of seltzer bottles and press board that would have been thrown away
6th Grade to 8th Grade
Winner: Ms. Shanon O'Hearn's Classes, 5th and 6th Grades, Tabernacle Christian Academy, Welcome to Recycleville, a town made out of cardboard, paper, tin foil, bottle caps, and more, depicting a town that is clearly very sustainable and eco-friendly
Runner-up: Mali Harris-Waltking, 8th Grade, Homeschooled, The Owl, a collage made of paper, cardboard, magazines and other paper-materials, depicting the great horned owl, a bird that she volunteered caring for at a bird rehabilitation center
9th Grade to 12th Grade
Winner: Jace Wilcha, 9th Grade, Homeschooled, The Grand Samurai, samurai armor made of cardboard and twine, which Jace demonstrated is wearable
Runner-up: Erika Villa Patino, 11th Grade, Dover High School, The Blender, a blender made of cardboard and paper, made using an excess amount of cardboard found in their school’s art room
Entries were judged on clarity, description and creativity. The winning artwork will be displayed at the Henry A. Wallace Visitor and Educational Center at the FDR Presidential Library & Museum in Hyde Park from Nov. 18 to Dec. 4; they will also be displayed at the County Executive’s 2025 State of the State Address.
County Executive Serino reiterated the importance of raising awareness about environmental issues and waste management, particularly among younger generations. To that end, the Division of Solid Waste Management’s Recycling Educator develops, maintains, implements and educates the public and private entities on material management and recycling programs. Her job involves creative communication, working with local municipal governments, schools and not-for-profit entities in establishing waste-reduction programs. Schools, libraries and groups interested in hosting the Recycling Educator for a presentation can email solidwastemgmt@dutchessny.gov or call 845-463-6020.
Dani White, Dutchess County’s Recycling Educator, said, “Recycling is essential for building a sustainable community. By reducing waste and conserving resources, we protect our environment and create a cleaner, healthier place for future generations. Working together, taking small actions can make a big difference, and I appreciate the art challenge participants for helping to demonstrate the importance of sustainability through art.”
Through the continued efforts of the Division of Solid Waste Management, Dutchess County has increased the recycling rate for municipal solid waste (MSW) in the county from 36 percent in 2012 to 43 percent in 2023, well above the New York State MSW recycling rate of 19 percent and the national average of 32 percent. The Division, for example, hosts three countywide electronics recycling events each year; in 2023, the Division collected 71,327 pounds of electronic waste at these events. For more information on the County’s continuing recycling and sustainability efforts, residents can visit the Division of Solid Waste Management webpage.
The County is also a sponsor of Repair Café Hudson Valley, which hosts walk-in events that provide residents the opportunity come together to share their expertise to repair beloved items. When they can’t fix an item, they troubleshoot and provide advice on how an item might be fixed. The goal is to extend the life of things one cares about, keep things out of landfills, preserve the art of fixing things, promote a circular and sustainable economy and build community. The next local Repair Café takes place on Saturday, Nov. 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Pavilion at Brookmeade Community, 34 Brookmeade Drive in Rhinebeck.
“America Recycles Day” is a national observance on November 15 that promotes recycling awareness and encourages communities across the United States to adopt more sustainable practices. The art challenge provided a platform for young Dutchess County residents to showcase their talents while underscoring the importance of recycling, reducing waste and building a sustainable future.
