For Release: May 18, 2005
Contact: Lavonne Proctor
Public Information Specialist
Prince George's County
Department of Environmental Resources
(301) 883-5957

County Honors 22 Student Winners of the Be Kind to Animals Poster Contest

LARGO, MD – The Prince George’s County Department of Environmental Resources (DER) recognized 22 student winners of the 12th Annual Be Kind to Animals Poster Contest at an Awards Ceremony held today at the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #89.

The contest, which was sponsored by DER’s Animal Management Division (AMD), was open to all Prince George’s County public and private elementary school students. AMD received more than 2,500 entries from 56 public schools and 11 private schools. The entries were judged on theme presentation and message.

“The Department is very proud to be celebrating the 12th year of this important competition,” said Donna Wilson, Director of DER. “Each year, the number of students submitting entries continues to increase. By teaching our young people the principles of proper pet care and responsible pet ownership, we strive to promote an attitude of kindness and respect for all living things.”

Prizes were awarded to the following winners of the 12 th Annual Be Kind to Animals Poster Contest:

Grand Prizewinner:

Edward C. Yates Grade 6 St. Ambrose School

First Place Winners:

John Kamara Kindergarten Kettering Elementary School

Maria Kashapata Grade 1 Hollywood Elementary School

Brittany Moore Grade 2 Beltsville Elementary School

Rebecca Bell Grade 3 Beltsville Elementary School

Anthony Smith Grade 4 Yorktown Elementary School

Jessica Gliss Grade 5 Beltsville Elementary School

Casey Clark Grade 6 St. Ambrose School

Second Place Winners:

Margaret Tremble Kindergarten St. Ambrose School

Ashley Fernandez Grade 1 Beltsville Elementary School

Isaac Radcliffe Grade 2 Washington New Church

Linda La-Mothe Grade 3 Mary Harris “Mother” Jones Elementary School

Jarell Shields Grade 4 Cora L. Rice Elementary School

Quincy Baker Grade 5 Heather Hills Elementary School

Jieson A. Salmeron Grade 6 Beltsville Elementary School

Third Place Winners:

Steven M. Jones, Jr. Kindergarten Marlton Elementary School

Anthony Perez Grade 1 Paint Branch Elementary School

Allison Lehman Grade 2 Bond Mill Elementary School

Ciara Hawkins Grade 3 Clinton Grove Elementary School

De’Andre Andrews Grade 4 Spring Hill Lake Elementary School

Claudia Orellana Grade 5 Beltsville Elementary School

Katherine Uy Grade 6 St. John’s The Evangelist School

As Chief Administrative Officer Dr. Jacqueline Brown addressed the teachers, students and their families, she congratulated the winners and emphasized the importance of learning proper pet care.

“These students are the future of our County, said Dr. Brown. “Through humane education, they will learn a respect for their neighbors, family, self and all living creatures.”

During the ceremony, Donna Wilson, Director of DER, read a proclamation from the County Executive and County Council. The proclamation recognized the Grand Prize Winner of the Poster Contest and encouraged citizens and residents to practice responsible pet ownership.

Local sponsors, who included Judy and Roger McClain and Mary Jacobs, showed their support for the event by donating prizes for the students.

“It is through the kindness and generosity of these sponsors that AMD is able to host this awards ceremony for the winners of the Poster Contest,” said Rodney Taylor, Associate Director of AMD.

For more information, call AMD at (301) 499-8305.

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