Union County Honors Arbor Day Poetry Contest Winners

UNION COUNTY, NJ — The Union County Board of County Commissioners has announced the winners of its annual Arbor Day Poetry Contest, recognizing students in grades 4 through 8 for their work promoting environmental stewardship and tree conservation.

Held in collaboration with the Union County Shade Tree Advisory Board, the contest encourages students to reflect on the importance of trees and the environment through creative expression.

“Each year, this contest reminds us that the next generation is already thinking deeply about the world around them,” said Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “Through their poetry, these students show an appreciation for nature that goes beyond the classroom.”

Bodek added that the program highlights how students are “not just learning about the environment—they’re becoming advocates for it,” noting the county’s continued support for youth engagement in environmental initiatives.

An awards ceremony honoring first-, second-, and third-place winners across grade levels is scheduled for Thursday at 6 p.m., where students will be recognized by the Board of County Commissioners.

“As liaison to the Shade Tree Advisory Board, it’s especially meaningful to see how this contest connects creativity with environmental responsibility,” said Commissioner Lourdes Leon. “These students are expressing, in their own voices, why trees and green spaces matter in our communities.”

Leon added that the students’ work reflects “not only talent, but a real understanding of the role we all play in protecting our environment.”

Arbor Day, observed annually on the last Friday in April, began in 1872 in Nebraska as a way to encourage tree planting and environmental awareness. This year’s observance falls on April 24, continuing a longstanding tradition focused on conservation and sustainability.

The full list of winners is as follows:

• 4th Grade
  • 1st Place: Finley Miller, Lincoln School — “Beautiful Trees”
  • 2nd Place: Eileen Crawford, Lincoln School — “A Tree Stands By Me”
  • 3rd Place: Rhea Marda, Mountain Park Elementary School — “A Seed to a Tree”
• 5th Grade
  • 1st Place: Eman Hassan, Terence C. Reilly School, Elizabeth — “Rooted in the Clouds”
  • 2nd Place: Mackenzie Martinez, School No. 4, Linden — “Where the Green Giants Stand”
  • 3rd Place: Will Leo, Mountain Park Elementary School, Berkeley Heights — “Nature’s Chance”
• 6th Grade
  • 1st Place: Leah Marshall — “The Quiet Life of Trees”
  • 2nd Place: Lucas Lopina — “Always a Giver”
  • 3rd Place: Melanie Lopes — “Life of Trees”
• 7th Grade
  • 1st Place: Liliana Price, Hillside Avenue School, Cranford — “Guardians of the Street”
  • 2nd Place: Madison Chapka, Lincoln School, Garwood — “Wonderful Creation”
  • 3rd Place: Juliana Pizzuta, Hillside Avenue School, Cranford — “A Tree’s Endless Story”
• 8th Grade
  • 1st Place: Shaila Jimenez, School No. 27, Elizabeth — “The Quiet Language of Earth”
  • 2nd Place: Gabriella Gomes, Lincoln School, Garwood — “The Life Trees Bring
  • No third-place award was given