‘America Recycles Day Art Challenge’ Winners
Students’ artwork inspires community to be creative about recycling

The winning artwork will be displayed at the:   Henry A. Wallace Visitor and Educational Center at the FDR Presidential Library & Museum in Hyde Park Nov. 18 – Dec. 4

They will also be displayed at the County Executive’s 2025 State of the State Address.

Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino congratulates the winners and runners-up of the County’s “America Recycles Day Art Challenge,” organized by the Division of Solid Waste Management with the purpose of teaching local students about recycling and encouraging them to reuse items that might otherwise be thrown away.

The art challenge celebrated innovative artistic creations made from recyclable and reusable materials, encouraging participants of all ages to reflect on the importance of recycling and sustainable practices. The contest was open to all elementary-, middle- and high-school-aged students in Dutchess County, with more than 50 students participating. The Division of Solid Waste Management has selected winners and runners-up in each of the following age categories:

Kindergarten to 2nd Grade

Winner: Luke Stouter, 1^st Grade, Homeschooled, Battlebot, a sculpture made out of water bottles, cardboard, magazines, and other recyclable materials

3rd Grade to 5th Grade

Winner: Ms. Melissa Cascio’s Class (Group 1), 4^th Grade, Morse Elementary School, Fantastic Recycling Mid-Hudson Bridge: The 2-D Bridge, a recreation of the Mid-Hudson Bridge out of water bottles, tin foil, paper, and unused items that would have been thrown away.

Runner-up: Ms. Kathleen Orza’s Class, 5^th Grade, Warring Elementary School, Until You Spread Your Wings, You’ll Have No Idea How Far You’ll Fly, a scene that depicts a group of butterflies fluttering about, made of seltzer bottles and press board that would have been thrown away

6th Grade to 8th Grade

Winner: Ms. Shanon O’Hearn’s Classes, 5^th and 6^th Grades, Tabernacle Christian Academy, Welcome to Recycleville, a town made out of cardboard, paper, tin foil, bottle caps, and more, depicting a town that is clearly very sustainable and eco-friendly

Runner-up: Mali Harris-Waltking, 8^th Grade, Homeschooled, The Owl, a collage made of paper, cardboard, magazines and other paper-materials, depicting the great horned owl, a bird that she volunteered caring for at a bird rehabilitation center

9th Grade to 12th Grade

Winner: Jace Wilcha, 9^th Grade, Homeschooled, The Grand Samurai, samurai armor made of cardboard and twine, which Jace demonstrated is wearable

Runner-up: Erika Villa Patino, 11^th Grade, Dover High School, The Blender, a blender made of cardboard and paper, made using an excess amount of cardboard found in their school’s art room

Entries were judged on clarity, description and creativity. The winning artwork will be displayed at the Henry A. Wallace Visitor and Educational Center at the FDR Presidential Library & Museum in Hyde Park from Nov. 18 to Dec. 4; they will also be displayed at the County Executive’s 2025 State of the State Address.

The Division of Solid Waste Management’s Recycling Educator develops, maintains, implements and educates the public and private entities on material management and recycling programs. Her job involves creative communication, working with local municipal governments, schools and not-for-profit entities in establishing waste-reduction programs. Schools, libraries and groups interested in hosting the Recycling Educator for a presentation can email solidwastemgmt@dutchessny.gov or call 845-463-6020.

Through the continued efforts of the Division of Solid Waste Management, Dutchess County has increased the recycling rate for municipal solid waste (MSW) in the county from 36 percent in 2012 to 43 percent in 2023, well above the New York State MSW recycling rate of 19 percent and the national average of 32 percent. The Division, for example, hosts three countywide electronics recycling events each year; in 2023, the Division collected 71,327 pounds of electronic waste at these events. For more information on the County’s continuing recycling and sustainability efforts, residents can visit theDivision of Solid Waste Management webpage.

The County is also a sponsor of Repair Café Hudson Valley, which hosts walk-in events that provide residents the opportunity come together to share their expertise to repair beloved items. When they can’t fix an item, they troubleshoot and provide advice on how an item might be fixed. The goal is to extend the life of things one cares about, keep things out of landfills, preserve the art of fixing things, promote a circular and sustainable economy and build community. The next local Repair Café takes place on Saturday, Nov. 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Pavilion at Brookmeade Community, 34 Brookmeade Drive in Rhinebeck.

“America Recycles Day” is a national observance on November 15 that promotes recycling awareness and encourages communities across the United States to adopt more sustainable practices. The art challenge provided a platform for young Dutchess County residents to showcase their talents while underscoring the importance of recycling, reducing waste and building a sustainable future.