DELAWARE — Lyla Jones, a second-grader from Brandywine Springs Elementary School in Wilmington, is the overall winner of the Delaware Forest Service’s annual Arbor Day School Poster Contest. This year’s competition attracted almost 7,600 entries from more than 70 schools. The theme – “Trees Are Terrific…In All Shapes and Sizes!” – highlights how a diverse community forest is a healthier forest that attracts a variety of wildlife and is more visually stimulating. The complete gallery of winners is at de.gov/arbordaypostercontest.
Since 1872, Arbor Day has been observed as a special day to plant trees and celebrate their many benefits!
The poster contest is designed to increase knowledge about trees and forests while helping students learn about the direct impact of trees on community health and well-being. Trees not only provide beauty but help shade streets and schoolyards while also creating habitat and food for wildlife. Awareness of the difference between tree species helps in selecting the proper tree to plant in a given location based on site conditions, temperature and soil.
The poster contest was open to all K-5 public, private, homeschool, after-school, and other organized youth groups. Posters are judged on originality, use of theme, neatness, and artistic expression. Each winner receives a gift card, a tree-themed book, and a tree planting at their school. Twelve winners are selected, one from each county, in four grade categories: kindergarten, grades 1 and 2, grades 3 and 4, and grade 5. All participating classes receive free loblolly pine seedlings delivered to their school, just in time to celebrate Arbor Day!
The 12 winners are invited to the annual State Arbor Day Celebration, hosted by Governor John Carney and scheduled for April 29.
New Castle County
- Kindergarten: Susanna Sanford, Brandywine Springs Elementary, Wilmington
- Grades 1 to 2: Lyla Jones, Brandywine Springs Elementary, Wilmington
- Grades 3 to 4: Hillary Shen, North Star Elementary, Hockessin
- Grade 5: Easton Parker, Heritage Elementary, Wilmington
Kent County
- Kindergarten: Zadriyan Marshall, Booker T. Washington Elementary, Dover
- Grades 1 to 2: Kylie Clark, Smyrna Elementary, Smyrna
- Grades 3 to 4: Eliana Oberdick, W. B. Simpson Elementary, Wyoming
- Grade 5: Audriana F., W. B. Simpson Elementary, Wyoming
Sussex County
- Kindergarten: Henry Hearn, St. John’s Preschool, Seaford
- Grades 1 to 2: Julian Spitzer, Lord Baltimore Elementary, Ocean View
- Grades 3 to 4: Evelyn Maloney, Epworth Christian, Laurel
- Grade 5: Sage McMahon, Rehoboth Elementary, Rehoboth Beach
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