Students Show Off Monmouth County’s Uniqueness

FREEHOLD – Three creative 4th grade students across Monmouth County have come out on top of this year’s “My County” poster contest sponsored by the Constitutional Officers Association of New Jersey (COANJ).

As Monmouth County’s Constitutional Officers, Clerk Christine Giordano Hanlon, Sheriff Shaun Golden and Surrogate Maureen T. Raisch recently announced the first, second, and third place winners.

Every year, all 4th graders in Monmouth County are invited to create posters that showcase unique aspects of Monmouth County and how they relate to county government.

The artistic skills of this year’s winners caught the eyes of the Constitutional Officers against 270 entries – an all-time high.

“There were a record-breaking number of entries submitted this year, so as Constitutional Officers, it was wonderful to see our elementary school students take on this fun and educational opportunity to learn more about our great county,” Hanlon said.

The top three winners, who were presented with their certificates and prizes at a Board of County Commissioners meeting, are:

• First place: Sedona LaManna of Atlantic Highlands Elementary School
• Second place: Michael Nolan of St. Leo the Great School, Lincroft
• Third place: Mackenzie Marrero of Fairview Elementary School, Middletown

“We were so impressed with the talent and creativity of these fourth-grade students, who demonstrated their knowledge of Monmouth County in such artistic ways,” said Raisch.

In addition, the following nine students were recognized with honorable mention awards: Bailey Boulos, Charlotte DeLuca, Isabella Fuentes, Juliette Girgis and Ellie Tobin of St. Leo the Great School, Lincroft; Faye Kotzas and Lyla Cononico of Atlantic Highlands Elementary School; Emilia Pignata of St. Rose of Lima School, Freehold; and Emma Gerace of Lafayette Mills School, Manalapan.

“We are extremely proud of the poster contest winners and all students who participated. A project like this helps them learn more about the great county we are so fortunate to call home,” Sheriff Golden said. “I commend all of these fourth-grade participants as they continue to impress us each year with their knowledge of Monmouth County and tremendous ability to use their artistic talents to create eye-catching posters.”

The winning posters will be displayed at the Monmouth County Clerk’s Office, located at 33 Mechanic Street in Freehold, for a month on a rotating basis over the next 12 months.