Nassau Exec Calling On Student Artists To Submit Earth Day Themes

MINEOLA, NY — Nassau County has launched a student artwork campaign, “Clean Communities Start at Home,” with aims to educate the public about the negative impacts of littering, and the importance of preserving the environment.

As part of the contest, students are encouraged to portray themes of recycling, waste reduction, and the preservation of natural resources throughout the county, according to the office of County Executive Laura Curran, who announced the contest earlier this week.

The artwork submissions, which are open to all students from kindergarten to 12th grade in Nassau, will be displayed in parks administration buildings across the county.

Submissions must include the name of the student, their hometown, grade, address, and contact information for a parent or guardian. However, contact information will not be made public if the student’s work is chosen for display, according to a county spokeswoman.

The submissions can be no larger than 8 ½ x 11 and will be accepted via mail or in-person until June 4 at the Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building, which is located at 1550 Franklin Ave., Mineola, NY 11501.

In her announcement, Curran said she was calling on all student artists to get creative and submit artwork that “spreads the importance of being green and keeping the planet clean.”

“On Earth Day we celebrate our precious environment, but every day is a good day to show respect and love to our environment so we can help preserve our beautiful island for generations to come,” she added.

The art contest is part of the Department of Public Work’s Litter and Trash campaign, “Clean Roads Start at Home,” which seeks to address the negative consequences that litter and trash have on roadways and parks, officials said.

The county’s focus has not only been limited to a public education and outreach campaign on litter prevention this year. Officials have plans to expand the Sponsor-A-Highway litter removal program, as well as the street sweeping program.