2024 Clean and Green Lake County contest winners announced
Apr. 29—Lake County's Solid Waste District and the Lake County commissioners have again announced the winners of the annual "Clean and Green Lake County" art contest.
The competition focuses on area students who are encouraged to design an original logo piece in promotion of recycling and anti-litter education.
The district oversees the county landfill and recycling center in Painesville Township.
Natalia Pérez Soto, a sixth-grade student at Harding Middle School in Fairport Harbor, won the middle school division and the overall prize for her design entry themed, "Keep Lake County Clean."
As the top winner, Natalia's artwork will be displayed for a year in the commissioners' chambers at the Lake County Administration Center in Painesville.
Additionally, her design will be used for marketing materials for the district and the Lake County Utilities Department.
"It was an honor to congratulate Natalia on her original conception of the ongoing work to preserve the natural beauty of Lake County," said Commissioner John Plecnik.
Other winners were Elementary School Division winner Braylon Reglus from McKinley Elementary in Fairport Harbor and High School Division winner Ella Raddell from Lake Catholic High School.
—Elementary Division honorable mentions are: Selin Bayraktar — Andrews Osborne Academy; Emily Benki — Willoughby-Eastlake School of Innovation; Skylee Gillard — Wickliffe Lower School; and Jareny Reyes — Elm Street Elementary
—Middle School Division honorable mentions are: Kolton Drouillard — Willoughby Middle School; Gio O'dell — Eastlake Middle School; Kailey Presley — Harding High School; and Stevie Rose — Madison Middle School
—High School Division honorable mentions are: Simon Dillon — South High School; Adriana Konjevic — North High School; Kylee Neeld — North High School; and Ava Passerell — Lake Catholic High School
The district reported that 446 student artists submitted entries from seven elementary schools, six middle schools and five high schools.
"Each piece displayed is incredible and we encourage each of you to continue to showcase what it means to be 'Clean and Green in Lake County,' " said Commissioner John Hamercheck during the board's April 18 meeting, where the winning trio was given prizes reflecting their passion for design.
Additionally, each division winner's school district will receive a framed poster to be displayed as recognition of their accomplishment.
Commissioner Richard Regovich noted that the decisions to choose the winners proved difficult.
"When you saw the caliber of all the artwork we had to look at, the skill levels were impressive," he said.