Dalton-Whitfield Solid Waste Authority

DALTON, GA – Two billboards in Whitfield County now feature the winning artwork from the first 2010 America Recycles Day Billboard Contest hosted by the Dalton-Whitfield Solid Waste Authority’s program Target Recycling at School.  On America Recycles Day, November 15, the winning design chosen from over 200 entries from middle school students was announced to the public.  Esmeralda Perez, Dalton Middle School 7^th grader, won first place overall with her billboard artwork that simply states, “I Will Recycle” and includes the America Recycles Day slogan, “I Recycle”.

Her colorful design is featured on two billboards that will be live until the end of the year.  The final design also invites the public to learn how they can recycle by calling 706-278-5001 or visiting www.DWSWA.org online.  The first billboard is located on Walnut Ave. in Dalton next to Walnut Square Mall, and the second billboard is on Chattanooga Rd. in Rocky Face near Tijuana’s Mexican Restaurant.

“It was a joy to see the environmentally friendly spirit of middle school students in the Dalton-Whitfield community shining through the contest entries.” said Liz Swafford, Recycling and Education Program Coordinator at the DWSWA.  “I’d like to thank the teachers and students from our local middle schools for participating and making this first billboard contest a big success.  We look forward to hosting this contest again for America Recycles Day 2011.”

In addition to the overall winner, each middle school grade also had a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winner. 6^th grade: 1^st Place, Ryan Neal, North Whitfield Middle School, 2^nd Place, Vy Huynh, Dalton Middle School, 3^rd Place, Victor Chavarria, Dalton Middle School.  7^th grade: 1^st Place, Esmeralda Perez, Dalton Middle School, 2^nd Place MyKayla Hicks, North Whitfield Middle School, 3^rd Place, Grace Wiggins, North Whitfield Middle School.   8^th grade: 1^st Place, Brianna Giron, Eastbrook Middle School, 2^nd Place, Carrie Carlton, Dalton Middle School, 3^rd Place, Axel Aguila, New Hope Middle School. The nine students received goodie bags and a certificate of participation from DWSWA staff.  Their entries can be seen online at www.DWSWA.org.