WILMINGTON — The festive spirit echoed through the Courthouse Tuesday night for the 2023 Recycled Christmas Ornament Contest Awards ceremony, hosted by the Clinton County Solid Waste Management District.

Despite the challenging task of choosing winners from the array of creative entries, the Clinton County Commissioners recognized and presented awards to grand prize winners Colton Walker, Haley Garay-Orduña, Aria Minge, Priya Abraham, Rex Rudduck, Rowan Wooddell, Kendall Burton, Maddie Vinup, Kiery Aldana-Granados and Landyn Young.

With families gathered, the winners were able to hang their prize ornaments on the Courthouse Christmas Tree. According to Erin Camery, outreach specialist for SWMD, there were approximately 80 people in attendance for the recognition ceremony where commissioners personally acknowledged each child’s creative effort.

The contest featured ornaments from 72 homeroom classes across the county, both public and private. Invitations to participate were sent to children in K-5 and homeschool groups. Students were urged to craft imaginative ornaments with their families from upcycled or recyclable materials.

During the recognition ceremony, commissioners highlighted the talent and effort of the young artists. Each student’s homeroom teacher had the responsibility of selecting one exceptional ornament to be showcased on the Clinton County Courthouse Christmas Tree throughout the holiday season, providing a chance to compete for one of 10 grand prizes.

The event not only celebrated artistic expression but also emphasized the importance of sustainability and creativity in the community.