‘America Recycles Day Art Challenge’ Winners

POUGHKEEPSIE – Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino applauds the winners and runners-up of the County’s second annual “America Recycles Day Art Challenge,” a creative initiative led by the Division of Solid Waste Management to educate students about recycling and inspire them to find new uses for everyday items that might otherwise end up in the trash.

Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino said, “Dutchess County is incredibly proud of the imagination and dedication shown by every student who took part in this year’s ‘America Recycles Day Art Challenge.’ By turning everyday items into meaningful artwork, our young creators are not only promoting environmental responsibility but also showcasing their amazing talent. Their creativity should be an example, reminding us all about the importance of caring for our environment.”

The art contest highlighted creative works crafted from recyclable and reusable materials, inspiring participants of all ages to think critically about sustainability and the value of recycling. Open to all school-aged students across Dutchess County, the contest drew entries from more than 40 young artists. The Division of Solid Waste Management has selected winners and runners-up in each of the following age categories:

Kindergarten to 2nd Grade
Winner: Jameson Armstrong, 1st Grade, Overlook Primary School, Fish Cups, a sculpture focused on marine life made using cardboard, paper cups and paper.

3rd Grade to 5th Grade
Winner: Cynaii Fils, Sa’Mai McClinton and Jasim Lewis of Ms. Kathleen Orza’s 5th Grade class, Warring Elementary School, Protect Our Oceans to Protect Our Future, an underwater scene depicting ocean life, made using water bottles, tissue paper and other recyclable materials.

Runner-up: Ryan Brown, 4th Grade, Homeschooled, Giraffe Head, made from paper bags, cardboard boxes and more to construct a wearable giraffe head.

6th Grade to 8th Grade
Winner: Emma Tsang, 8th Grade, Van Wyck Junior High School, Our Beautiful Marine Life, a 3-D sculpture of a marine creature made entirely out of recyclable materials including tin foil, aluminum cans, paper and more. Emma was inspired to make this after seeing how much waste accumulated at her birthday party, and she wanted to spread awareness about how fish can mistake garbage for food.

Runner-up: Loyette Henry, Sierra Sand and Zoey Sweeney of Ms. Shanon O’Hearn’s 7th Grade class, Tabernacle Christian Academy, Recycling Saves Lives, a depiction of the deep sea and how objects like plastic can harm ocean life, made from plastic water bottles, cardboard, newspaper and other recyclable materials.

9th Grade to 12th Grade
Winner: Lexie Stephens, of Mr. Roberto Romani’s 10th Grade class, Spackenkill High School, Untitled, a 3-D sculpture of a life-sized electric guitar, amplifier and foot pedal made entirely out of cardboard, newspaper and more.

Runner-up: Sophia Beeman, of Mr. Roberto Romani’s 11th Grade class, Spackenkill High School, Simon, a portrait of the artist’s aunt’s dog, Simon, whom she loves very much, made using newspaper, magazines, cereal boxes and other recyclables.

The Division of Solid Waste Management develops programs that help reduce waste and ensure the proper and safe disposal of discarded materials throughout Dutchess County. For more information on the County’s continuing recycling and sustainability efforts, residents can visit the Division of Solid Waste Management webpage.

“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.