For Release: Tuesday, April 27, 2004
DEC Announces Statewide Arbor Day Poster Contest Winner
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Erin M. Crotty today announced that Joshua Tredway, a student at Wetzel Elementary School in Liverpool, Onondaga County, is the winner of the 2004 Arbor Day Poster Contest, besting 1,600 other entries from New York State fifth-graders.
"Once again, we had great participation from students throughout New York State and out of all the great entries, it was difficult to choose a winner," Commissioner Crotty said. "I would like to thank all the students who produced the many entries and specifically Joshua Tredway's winning submission that demonstrated the importance of trees in supporting a healthy and diverse urban environment."
This year's poster contest theme, "Trees are Terrific . . . In Cities and Towns!", was depicted in Joshua's poster with a city within a forest, with trees providing food and shelter to wildlife and beauty to the surroundings. The artwork has been used in the design of New York's Arbor Day bookmark and distributed to more than 37,000 students, businesses, libraries, government offices and environmental organizations throughout the State. Joshua's creation can be viewed at http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/2077.html on DEC's website.
State Agriculture Commissioner Nathan L. Rudgers said, "Whether located in the Adirondack Park, along a country road or city street, or along the Hudson River in a public park - trees are terrific! Congratulations to Joshua Tredway and all the other students who participated in the Poster Contest and expressed their appreciation for trees through their many beautiful posters."
Nine regional winners were selected by local volunteer judges from DEC, the State Department of Transportation, local urban forestry and environmental organizations and other tree advocates. Contest judges in Albany then selected the statewide winner from the group of regional champions. The winning poster was recently submitted to compete in the National Arbor Day Foundation's national poster contest.
Today at the New York State Arbor Day Celebration at the Corning Preserve in Albany, DEC Executive Deputy Commissioner Denise Sheehan joined with Forester Dave Sinclair and Poster Contest Coordinator Mary Kramarchyk to present Joshua with a framed version of his artwork.
Wetzel Elementary School Principal Richard Parisi said, "I am very pleased that Joshua Tredway represents our school as the winner of the New York State Arbor Day Poster Contest. Josh is an excellent student from a wonderful family who consistently demonstrates good character in all he does. I could not think of a better person to win this award."
The annual contest is open to all students enrolled in the fifth grade in New York State and is sponsored by DEC, the Department of Agriculture and Markets, and the Department of Education.
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