The winning artwork of a Robert Smalls International Academy student was unveiled on Beaufort County’s Facebook page after being selected as the top design in the county’s first annual America Recycles Day billboard contest.

The winner of the billboard contest was seventh-grader Cheyene Ly. Her design will be displayed on a billboard in Beaufort County in spring 2017.

The billboard contest, coordinated by the Beaufort County Public Works Department Solid Waste and Recycling Office, was held in celebration of America Recycles Day.

“The students played an important role in educating the community on the importance of recycling,” said Ashley Jenkins, Beaufort County recycling coordinator.  “We can’t thank them enough.”

The contest was developed to help promote, educate and bring awareness to middle school students and the community on the importance of recycling.

All winners received a certificate and have their work displayed on the county’s website and Facebook page. The top entries were: Cheyene Ly, first place; Malina Bennett-Hart, second place; and Jourdin Davic, third place.

Tekera Brown, Jaili Lopez and George Luna received honorable mentions.

“It is necessary that we educate the public on the importance of keeping recyclable materials out of the landfills,” Jenkins said. “The ultimate goal is to have a clean and sustainable environment.”

Beaufort County Public Works Department Solid Waste and Recycling Office provides environmental education opportunities to schools in Beaufort County area.

For more information, call 843-255-2823 or visit www.bcgov.net/recycle.

[caption id="attachment_30618" align="aligncenter" width="561"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/billboard.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-30618"><img class="size-full wp-image-30618" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/billboard.jpg" alt="Student Cheyenne Ly poses with Ashley Jenkins, Beaufort County recycling coordinator." width="561" height="373" /></a> Student Cheyenne Ly poses with Ashley Jenkins, Beaufort County recycling coordinator.[/caption]