In honor of Arbor Day, the Union County Board of County Commissioners, in collaboration with the Union County Shade Tree Advisory Board, unveils the distinguished winners of the annual Union County Arbor Day Poetry Contest. Each year, the contest aims to inspire students in grades 4-8 to embrace environmental stewardship and advocate for tree conservation.
“Each year, this contest reminds us that the next generation is already thinking deeply about the world around them,” said Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “Through their poetry, these students show an appreciation for nature that goes beyond the classroom. They’re not just learning about the environment—they’re becoming advocates for it. We’re proud to celebrate their creativity and the powerful message behind their words.”
A special awards ceremony, honoring the first, second, and third place winners across different grade levels, will be held during Thursday, April 30th at 6:00pm where the winners will be recognized by the Union County Board of County Commissioners.
4th Grade
- 1st Place: Beautiful Trees — Finley Miller, Lincoln School
- 2nd Place: A Tree Stands By Me — Eileen Crawford, Lincoln School
- 3rd Place: A Seed to a Tree — Rhea Marda, Mountain Park Elementary School
5th Grade
- 1st Place: Rooted in the Clouds — Eman Hassan, Terence C. Reilly School, Elizabeth
- 2nd Place: Where the Green Giants Stand — Mackenzie Martinez, School Number 4, Linden
- 3rd Place: Nature’s Chance — Will Leo, Mountain Park Elementary School, Berkeley Heights
6th Grade
- 1st Place: The Quiet Life of Trees — Leah Marshall
- 2nd Place: Always a Giver — Lucas Lopina
- 3rd Place: Life of Trees — Melanie Lopes
7th Grade
- 1st Place: Guardians of the Street — Liliana Price, Hillside Ave. School, Cranford
- 2nd Place: Wonderful Creation — Madison Chapka, Lincoln School, Garwood
- 3rd Place: A Tree’s Endless Story — Juliana Pizzuta, Hillside Ave. School, Cranford
8th Grade
- 1st Place: The Quiet Language of Earth — Shaila Jimenez, School #27, Elizabeth
- 2nd Place: The Life Trees Bring — Gabriella Gomes, Lincoln School, Garwood
- 3rd Place: No third-place award (only two entries submitted)
“As liaison to the Shade Tree Advisory Board, it’s especially meaningful to see how this contest connects creativity with environmental responsibility,” said Lourdes Leon. “These students are expressing, in their own voices, why trees and green spaces matter in our communities. Their work reflects not only talent, but a real understanding of the role we all play in protecting our environment.”
Arbor Day, observed every last Friday in April, has its origins in 1872 when it began in Nebraska, urging people to plant trees and raise environmental awareness. Over time, it has grown into a nationwide event promoting the appreciation of trees and their ecological importance. This year, Arbor Day falls on April 24th, highlighting the crucial role of environmental stewardship in safeguarding our natural resources.
For further inquiries regarding the Arbor Day Poetry Contest, please contact Zoraida Mosquera at zoraida.mosquera@ucnj.org or 908-527-4142. To learn more about Union County’s commitment to environmental initiatives, visit The Green Connection at ucnj.org/green-connection.