For their annual 3rd grade Arbor Day poster contest, the Lexington Tree Board named two winners: Harlow Rickertsen from Bryan Elementary School and Ethan Merida from Sandoz Elementary School.
Both artists were honored at assemblies at their schools, and Tree Board members presented them with their posters framed for posterity. Also trees were planted in their honor on school grounds.
The Tree Board judged 234 poster entries from Lexington third grade pupils, but has no knowledge of the artist until the judging is over. Every year there are many talented artists and creative posters, which makes the judging challenging but rewarding. The purpose of the contest is to build appreciation at an early age for trees and the many benefits they give us.
Arbor Day is always the last Friday in April. This year it was April 25, marking the 153rd year of Arbor Day, and the 53nd anniversary of the Arbor Day Foundation, headquartered in Nebraska City.
Lexington Tree Board members are: Jake Saulsbury, Tom Nelson, Marty Smith, Kevin Zelaya and Dave Stenberg.
The top poster is Ethan’s, the bottom poster is Harlow’s.
