Students win Southgate Arbor Day poster contest

DAVE GORGON

Three Southgate elementary school students have been honored for their artwork, creativity and message in the annual city of Southgate Arbor Day poster contest. Savanna Adkins of Allen Elementary School took first place and will be recognized with a tree planted at the school in her honor at 1 p.m. June 9.

Layla Silcott of Allen was runner-up. Olivia Flinkman of Grogan Elementary School finished third.

The posters were hung at City Hall.

The top three winners were presented with a certificate by Mayor Joseph Kuspa during the May 3 City Council meeting.

The contest was open to all elementary school students in the Southgate Community School District. This year’s entries were submitted by students from Allen, Grogan and Shelters elementary schools. Some of this year’s posters incorporated three dimensions with items being attached to give them more depth. Layla’s poster was one of those.

“Each year, the judges have a difficult job selecting the top three winners,” Mayor Kuspa said. “This year was no exception. It is always interesting to see how our young students create these posters and their unique take on the importance of trees in the community.”

The contest was coordinated by city Forester Bob Tarabula. Teachers involved were Andrew Garden, Tamara Nagy, Devon Kelley, Michelle Thrasher, Scott Piestrak and Frances Witkowski.

“Arbor Day is worth celebrating,” the Mayor said, “and we thank all of the students for participating and the teachers who encouraged them to do so.”

Arbor Day is a national holiday celebrated on the last Friday in April. The day celebrates the planting, upkeep and preservation of trees.