Bridgewater 4th Grader Wins 1st Place In Somerset County Poster Contest

BRIDGEWATER, NJ ? Vicky G. Sun, a student in Ms. Zapoticky?s class at Bridgewater-Raritan?s Hamilton Primary School, won first place in Somerset County's 2023 ?My County? poster contest for County fourth graders.

Somerset County Clerk Steve Peter, Sheriff Darrin J. Russo, and Surrogate Bernice ?Tina? Jalloh presented citations to winners at a recent meeting.

Vicky Sun won first prize for her poster which included an essay on what she thinks makes the County special, a timeline of the County from its founding in 1688, and a listing of Somerset County?s features and awards.

"Every year these students put their hearts and creativity into their 'My County' posters, and it?s incredibly hard for Clerk Peter, Sheriff Russo, and I to pick the winners because they are all wonderful," said Surrogate Bernice "Tina" Jalloh. "The best part is that not only do the students research and learn more about Somerset County, but we judges often learn things we didn?t know!"

This year the Clerk, Sheriff and Surrogate picked four posters to place with a tie for third place, and 10 posters for honorable mention. The first-place winner, Vicky G. Sun, received a $100 gift card and a pizza party for her entire fourth-grade class at Hamilton Primary School. Second-place winner Nathlie John received a $50 gift certificate, and third-place winners Emma Barrett and Gretchen Stetler received $25 gift cards. All students who placed or received honorable mentions were invited to meet the Commissioners to receive citations for their wonderful work.

Somerset County has three Constitutional Officers tasked with specific roles and responsibilities. Surrogate Jalloh is responsible for probating wills and administrations, processing guardianships, facilitating adoptions, managing Minor?s Intermingled Trust Funds, and performs weddings. Clerk Steve Peter?s office records property purchases, accepts passport applications, administers Notary Public oaths, supports veterans and Gold Star Families, designs ballots and certifies elections, and performs weddings. Sheriff Darrin Russo oversees safety and security for all County facilities and property, operates the County Jail, provides K9 services for investigations, and oversees Sheriff Sales.