By KANDACE MCCOY
kandace.mccoy@register-news.com
MT. VERNON — The Mt. Vernon City Tree Board announced the winner of this year’s annual Arbor Day Poster Contest Monday afternoon. St. Mary School fifth-grader Lauren Heinzman was chosen as the winner out of more than 100 entries from J. L. Buford and St. Mary schools.
Heinzman’s entry depicted a tree in the form of a light bulb, with evidence of city life inside. She told Tree Board members Monday afternoon she came up with the idea after thinking about electricity, and then a light bulb, and “it just came to me like a lamp.” She said it took her more than a week to complete the project.
Parks and Recreation Director George Bryant said Heinzman’s entry “captured exactly what the theme was looking for.”
“We love working with the school children in the Mt. Vernon area to help promote the planting and care of trees for our community,” he said.
This year’s Arbor Day Poster Contest theme was “Trees are Terrific ... and Energy Wise!” The contest began in February and as the overall winner, Heinzman will advance to the state competition held by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The overall Illinois winner will advance the national competition.
In addition, Heinzman’s poster will be displayed at the Mt. Vernon Parks & Recreation Arbor Day Festival on Saturday, April 24 at Veterans Park.
The Arbor Day Celebration will be begin at 10 a.m. and run until 1 p.m., according to Bryant, with a variety of family activities, educational information and free food and drink.
“This is a unique opportunity for the residents of the community to learn more about trees and the importance they provide for our community,” he said.
For more information about the Arbor Day Celebration, or activities through the Parks and Recreation Department, you may call 242-6890.
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Related Photos
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St. Mary School fifth-grader Lauren Heinzman is presented with an award from Barbara Miles, Mt. Vernon Tree Board chairman, for winning the local Arbor Day Poster Contest. Heinzman’s entry was chosen from more than 100 entries from J. L. Buford and St. Mary schools. Heinzman’s poster will be entered into the statewide poster contest held by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. KANDACE MCCOY/ REGISTER-NEWS
Arbor Day contest winner recognized
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