Fifth-grader Koston Humphreys was recognized on April 28 for designing the best poster in the school, city and southwest district in the annual Kansas Arbor Day Poster Contest.
During an Arbor Day celebration at Charles O. Stones Intermediate Center, Humphreys received a specially framed poster for winning the contest, and a specially framed poster of the district contest winners across the state. His teacher, Desiree Delehant, also received a specially framed poster of statewide district winners to display at the school.
Naomie Ramirez, a fifth grader at Charles O. Stones Intermediate Center, received second place in the city, and Brenna Zubia Palma Smith, a fifth grader at Bernadine Sitts Intermediate Center, took third place in the city.
Garden City Mayor Shannon Dick read a proclamation that detailed the importance of trees to Garden City before naming April 29, 2022, as Arbor Day in Garden City.
John Klempa with the Kansas Forest Service demonstrated how to properly plant a tree at the school, which the winning students helped to plant. The tree that was planted at the school is an American Elm tree.
At the end of the event, students were given little trees to take home and plant.
Arbor Day is a holiday on the last Friday of April in which individuals and groups are encouraged to plant and care for trees. Garden City is celebrating its 44th year as being a Tree City USA.