In a special ceremony, Mayor Mike McGinn and Councilmember O’Brien presented awards to the winners of a citywide student art contest commemorating the 16th annual Neighbor Appreciation Day on February 6.

“Neighbor Appreciation Day is a great time to reflect on the importance of neighbors and thank them for their contributions to their community,” said Mayor McGinn. “The annual art contest is especially fun, because we see the value of neighbors and community through the eyes of our kids and their imagination.”

The two top winners’ artwork is featured on Neighbor Appreciation Day greeting cards distributed free at libraries, community centers, and Neighborhood Service Centers. This year, the cards carry a “Happy Neighbor Appreciation Day” message in 10 languages, and can be sent as an e-card.

First launched in 1995, Neighbor Appreciation Day is a grassroots celebration to foster friendships and celebrate communities.

For information on Neighbor Appreciation Day, visit  www.seattle.gov/neighborhoods/appday/. 

Art contest winners are:

Gold Medal Award ($100 each)

Alex Taylor, Dunlap Elementary School (Southeast Seattle neighborhood) Helen Ippolito, Hamilton International Middle School (Wallingford neighborhood)

Silver Award ($50 each)

Allison Gu, Wedgwood Elementary School (Wedgwood neighborhood) Rahel Yohannes, Madison Middle School (West Seattle neighborhood)

Bronze Award ($25)

Marie Ong, Madison Middle School (West Seattle neighborhood) Lynn Le, Franklin High School, (Southeast Seattle neighborhood) Delaney Ballard, West Seattle High School (West Seattle neighborhoods)

Crystal Award ($15)

Page Robinson, Hamilton International Middle School (Wallingford neighborhood) Abel Sarabia, Dunlap Elementary School (Southeast Seattle neighborhood) Melanie Komphadith, Dunlap Elementary School (Southeast Seattle neighborhood) Mynisha McGrew, Dunlap Elementary School (Southeast Seattle neighborhood) Elenia Lin, Hamilton International Middle School (Lake City neighborhood)