Student Artists Recognized at Annual Waste Reduction-Reuse-Recycling Poster Contest Ceremony – Mocofeed

Montgomery County’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) celebrated outstanding young artists from across the County during the 2026 Students’ Waste Reduction‑Reuse‑Recycling Poster Contest held recently in Rockville. 

The annual ceremony recognizes K–12 students who use their creativity to showcase their understanding and innovative ideas for reducing waste, reusing materials, and recycling at school and at home. What began decades ago as a simple recycling contest has grown into a flagship County program that highlights waste reduction, reuse, and recycling, advancing the County’s commitment to a zero-waste future.

“Getting students involved in protecting the environment makes our whole community stronger,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “When young people share their ideas through art, it encourages all of us to think differently and take action. Their creativity plays an important role in building a healthier Montgomery County.” 

This year’s theme is “One Item, Many Lives” and focused on reusing items in creative ways. Students were encouraged to envision practical solutions and responded with imagination and bold ideas. The 2026 contest drew 285 entries from 27 public and private schools.

“Our students show us that each of us can be a leader in protecting the environment,” said DEP Director Jennifer Macedonia. “Their artwork demonstrates creative problem‑solving, an understanding of sustainability, and a real commitment to making a difference. They’re already helping shape the conversation on reducing waste in Montgomery County.” 

A panel of eight volunteer professional artists judged this year’s submissions. Awards were presented in four grade categories: 

• Kindergarten through second grade 
• Third through fifth grade 
• Sixth through eighth grade 
• Ninth through 12th grade 

Each category included first, second, and third-place awardees, as well as honorable mentions. 

This year’s honorees represented a wide range of schools throughout Montgomery County, including: 

• Bannockburn Elementary School 
• Barnesville School of Arts and Sciences 
• Col. Zadok Magruder High School 
• Dr. Charles R. Drew Elementary School 
• Flora M. Singer Elementary School
• Hallie Wells Middle School 
• Herbert Hoover Middle School 
• Kensington Parkwood Elementary School 
• North Chevy Chase Elementary School 
• Rocky Hill Middle School 
• Seneca Valley High School 
• St. Bartholomew Catholic School 
• St. George Greek Preschool & Kindergarten 
• Thomas Edison High School of Technology 

DEP also acknowledged the dedication of the eight volunteer judges—professional artists who generously contributed their time to review and score the submissions:  

• Felisa Federman, artist, pre-school teacher assistant, art teacher 
• Jim Hoehn, member artist, Gallery 209 
• Mariana Kastrinakis, physician/artist 
• Ge’Vonna Keyes, local mosaic artist 
• Cecelia M. Laurendeau, artist 
• Leslie Kraft, artist 
• Edwin Salmeron, local mosaic artist 
• Elizabeth Steel, artist 

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