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Students to receive citywide arts awards on Neighbor Appreciation Day

SEATTLE – In celebration of the 16th annual Neighbor Appreciation Day this Saturday, Mayor Mike McGinn and Seattle Councilmember Mike O’Brien will honor the top 12 winners of this year’s Neighbor Appreciation Day Student Art Contest.  The awards ceremony will take place at 10:00 a.m. at Dunlap Elementary School, 4525 S. Cloverdale Street in Seattle.

Neighbor Appreciation Day began in 1995 when Phinney Ridge activist Judith Wood suggested that the City designate “a special day to celebrate the goodness in those around us and to reach out and strengthen our bonds to each other.”  Mayor Norm Rice proclaimed the Saturday before Valentine’s Day as Neighbor Appreciation Day.  The observance has grown every year since.

Neighbor Appreciation Day is a grassroots celebration. Nearly 60 work parties, open houses, and activities are happening around the city to recognize caring neighbors. For a listing, visit www.seattle.gov/neighborhoods/appday/calendar.htm.

Every year, Seattle students enter the Art Contest with drawings depicting what it means to be a good neighbor, and the 12 winners will receive cash awards during Saturday’s ceremony.  To view the winning artwork, visit www.seattle.gov/neighborhoods/appday/art.htm.  The artwork of the two first place winners, Alex Taylor, a 5th grader at Dunlap Elementary School, and Helen Ippolito, an 8th grader at Hamilton International Middle School adorns 10,000 Neighbor Appreciation Day greeting cards distributed for free at Neighborhood Service Center, libraries, and community centers. An e-card can be sent by visiting www.seattle.gov/neighborhoods/appday/default.htm.

Seattle Department of Neighborhoods provides programs and service that engage residents in civic participation, foster stronger communities, make government more accessible, and preserve and enhance the character of Seattle’s neighborhoods.