It’s Earth Day in July! Although traditional Earth Day celebrations have been delayed this year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin and the Hempstead Town Board marked the 50th anniversary of Earth Day by recognizing six outstanding elementary school students who have demonstrated their vision for a greener, more environmentally friendly future. These visions were on display outside of Hempstead Town Hall as the Supervisor, along with Covanta Energy, revealed this year’s winners of the Covanta Energy Poster Contest. In a fun, socially-distant awards ceremony, the Town Board presented each winner with their well-earned prize and showcased the award-winning posters in front of a limited audience of family, friends and faculty. What’s more, the team of officials announced that the winning posters will be displayed on Town of Hempstead recycling trucks.
“This Recycling Poster Contest is a beloved tradition for Hempstead Town students,” said Clavin. “The Town of Hempstead is committed to preserving the environment for many generations to come, and it’s great to see our next generation already demonstrating that same commitment. On behalf of Hempstead Town and Covanta Energy, I’m proud to congratulate this year’s winners!”
The officials presented the winning students with special Town of Hempstead Certificates of Recognition and detailed the plans to display the students’ artwork on town recycling trucks. The students’ commitment to a greener earth will now be shown off during daily sanitation runs throughout the year, immortalizing their eco-friendly, artistic efforts.
“Our Town of Hempstead students are so talented, and it’s wonderful that their artwork will be on display for everyone to see,” said Senior Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby. Added Councilman Bruce Blakeman, “Every day is Earth Day in America’s largest township, and I am proud to join with our young men and women to promote the importance of recycling and environmental conservation.”
Accepting submissions from hundreds of students throughout America’s largest township, a total of six winners were selected for their artwork. The submissions were divided by age into two categories, Grades 1-4 and Grades 5-8. Covanta Energy provided prizes for the winners, including a Samsung tablet for the two 1st place finishers and Barnes & Noble gift cards for the 2nd and 3rd place finishers. Students hail from different schools throughout Hempstead Town, including Francis X. Hegarty Elementary School in Island Park, Oceanside Project Extra and Jackson Main Elementary School in Hempstead.
“As the largest town in the nation, it’s important that the Town of Hempstead lead by example when it comes to being green and protecting our beautiful environment,” said Councilman Anthony D’Esposito. Added Councilman Dennis Dunne, “I commend Supervisor Clavin for this wonderful idea to highlight our students’ love for the environment with the town’s recycling initiatives.”
“I look forward to seeing all of these wonderful posters on Town of Hempstead recycling trucks,” said Councilman Tom Muscarella. Added Councilman Chris Carini, “I am proud to partner with Supervisor Clavin and my colleagues on the Hempstead Town Board, as well as Covanta Energy and local elementary school students in making our town a greener and environmentally friendly place.”
Town of Hempstead-Covanta Energy Poster Contest Winners
Grades 1-4
First Place
Elise Lo Castro, Francis X. Hegarty Elementary School, Island Park
Second Place
Ariana Bacchus, Notre Dame School, New Hyde Park
Third Place
Nicholas Cottone, Notre Dame School, New Hyde Park
Grades 5-8
First Place
Madison Lee, Notre Dame School, New Hyde Park
Second Place
Heyzell Maldonado, Jackson Main Elementary School, Hempstead
Third Place
Michael Molite, Oceanside Project Extra, Oceanside
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