POUGHKEEPSIE … Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino proudly congratulates the winners and runners-up of the County’s 3rd annual “America Recycles Day Art Challenge,” recognizing more than 80 local students of all ages who turned everyday recyclable and reusable materials into original works of art.
Led by the Dutchess County Division of Solid Waste Management, the annual art contest gives students an opportunity to combine creativity with environmental education. The Division invited students from kindergarten through 12th grade to create artwork using materials that might otherwise have been thrown away, encouraging them to think about recycling, reuse and ways to reduce waste.
Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino said, “We are incredibly proud of all the students who participated in this year’s ‘America Recycles Day Art Challenge.’ Their creativity shows us that something we might normally throw away can have a whole new purpose. These young artists remind all of us that small choices can make a difference when it comes to caring for our environment. We are grateful to every student who shared their talent and helped bring this important message to life.”
The Division of Solid Waste Management selected a winner and runner-up in each of four grade-level categories:
Kindergarten to 2nd Grade
Winner: Romy Stim-Fogel of Ms. Hammond’s 1st Grade class, Sargent Elementary School, “My Hamster's Tank,” depicting their hamster’s tank at home by using a shoe box, aluminum foil, water bottles and recycled paper
Runner-up: Connor Smith, kindergarten, Arlington School District, “Recycled Rollercoaster,” showing how much fun you can have creating an amusement park ride out of paper towel rolls, cardboard and more
3rd Grade to 5th Grade
Winner: Gabriella Weldon, Charlye Henry and Elira Kaba of Mrs. DeRose’s and Mrs. Vallaro’s 4th Grade class, as well as Mrs. McArthur’s art class, Meyers Corners Elementary School, “We Remember 9/11,” paying tribute to the Twin Towers and the heroes who will never be forgotten, made from cardboard boxes, aluminum foil, scrap paper and more
Runner-up: Madeline Del Vecchio, 3rd Grade, Meyers Corners Elementary School, “Barry the Recycling Robot,” standing 3 feet tall and made from cardboard boxes, egg cartons, toilet paper rolls, plastic jugs, cans and more, showing just how many materials can be recycled
6th Grade to 8th Grade
Winner: Summer Guest, 8th Grader, homeschooled, “Grandma's Angel,” depicting a glass angel from her great-grandparents’ fireplace she remembers every visit, made out of a coffee can, wrapping paper, brown paper and plastic bags, pages from damaged books and plastic bottles
Runner-up: Ryder Dieckmann, 6th Grade, Meyers Corners Elementary School, “Bottle Cap Mario,” illustrating the popular video game character Mario through a variety of bottle caps in an 8-bit pixel style, just like in the original games
9th Grade to 12th Grade
Winner: Gabrielle Nesbeth, of Ms. Read’s 10th Grade, Franklin D. Roosevelt High School, “Written in Ink & Elegance,” a dress made with newspaper, plastic and cardboard
Runner-up: Joy Travis, of Mr. Romani’s 10th Grade class, Spackenkill High School, “Untitled,” a 3-D sculpture of a flower and monarch butterfly to enlarge a scene from nature, made of cardboard and paper.
The winning artwork will be displayed at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in Hyde Park from Nov. 9 through Nov. 17. A reception for the winners and runners-up will he held at the Henry A. Wallace Visitor and Education Center on Nov. 17.
The “America Recycles Day Art Challenge” is part of Dutchess County’s ongoing efforts to promote recycling and waste reduction among residents of all ages. Through educational programs and community resources, the Division of Solid Waste Management helps residents learn how to reduce waste, recycle properly and safely dispose of unwanted materials.
For more information about recycling and waste reduction programs in Dutchess County, visit the Division of Solid Waste Management webpage.
“America Recycles Day” is celebrated nationally each year on Nov. 15 to raise awareness about recycling and encourage individuals, schools, businesses and communities to make choices that help reduce waste and protect the environment.
