Winners Announced for the Durand Park Youth Photo Contest

The Freehold Township Shade Tree Commission is proud to announce the winners of the Youth Photo Contest in celebration of Arbor Day which also marks the 20th Anniversary of the opening of Durand Park Memorial Arboretum which is located at 225 Randolph Rd.

Youth residents of Freehold Township were invited to submit photos they took of Durand Park for the contest. One first place winner was selected for the elementary, middle and high school divisions.

“We are so proud of each and every one the students who participated in our first ever photo contest,” said Thom Ritchie, Chair of the Freehold Township Shade Tree Commission. “The photos really showcased the beauty and diversity of the park, the lake and trails, but the best part was that we were able to see the park through the eyes of these young photographers.”

The winning images will be featured in a new brochure for Durand Park and will be on public display this fall at the Freehold Township Municipal Building. The student winners will also be recognized by the Township Committee.

Elementary School:

First Place - Sabrina Winchman, C. Richard Applegate Elementary School

Middle School:

First Place - Jake Winchman, Dwight D. Eisenhower Middle School

Honorable Mention- Clara Smela

High School:

First Place - Andrew Jelinsky, Junior, Marine Academy of Science and Technology (MAST)

Honorable Mention - Kayleigh Lin, Senior, Freehold Township High School

Special Mention: Eileen Ladley for submitting several action photos of her sons Kenneth and Anthony Knapp fishing and enjoying the park.

Sabrina Winchman who submitted an artistic photo that depicted the fall trees reflecting in the lake was surprised that she won first place in the elementary category, “Oh wow, I did, that's so cool!" she exclaimed.

Jake Winchman’s photo featured the fallen leaves and bare trees under a beautiful waning sun was thrilled he won the middle school category. "I had fun taking the photo and it will be cool to see my picture used in the park brochure!” he stated.

Andrew Jelinsky who took first place in the high school category said he often visits the park to relax, fish, kayak and took the winning photo of the trees changing color while taking a quick rest during a late afternoon run.

“The whole landscape was bathed in golden light. Everything from the sun to the falling leaves to the few tall grasses that had not yet been cut. I stood for a few moments and before finishing my run I decided to take a picture at the edge of the trail,” said Andrew. “It’s an honor to receive this award! It means so much that I have made a difference to the park I love so much.”

Arbor Day is an annual observance held on the last Friday in April that celebrates the role of trees in our lives and promotes tree planting and care.

Every year the Freehold Township Shade Tree Commission typically plants a tree and holds a public ceremony in recognition of this event both at Durand Park and at a local elementary school, but due to the COVID-19 restrictions the ceremony had to be cancelled. A tree will eventually be planted to mark Arbor Day 2020 and the 20th Anniversary of Durand Park, but without public participation. Images of the new tree will be shared on Freehold Township social media at a later date.

For more information about Arbor Day and ideas on how you can observe Arbor Day at home visit https://www.arborday.org/celebrate/

The Freehold Township Shade Tree Commission is comprised of group of volunteer residents who work together to ensure the beautification of Freehold Township by planting trees, caring for existing trees and promoting the importance of this valuable living natural resource.

Visit http://twp.freehold.nj.us/shade-tree1 for more information about the Shade Tree Commission and for great tree tips and resources.