WESTFIELD — For the past three years the Westfield Woman’s Club Garden Club has sponsored and organized a Litter Project to educate the public about the dangers of littering on its city streets. Their concern is for the disrespect the public has for others’ property and the country, said club organizers Sandi Gil and Kathleen Hillman.
The idea of including students to the Litter Project was the brainstorm of Gil, a former Westfield educator and HCC college professor.
“By involving the school students, the club felt the kids would spread the world among their peers and adults by practicing the proper manners in their city. Proper disposal shows respect for others and your country,” Gil said.
Students at Westfield Intermediate School were challenged to get the word out about litter by creating a poster. This year over 55 posters were created by students. The winning posters may be viewed downtown at the WOW building on 105 Main st.
The first place award of $50 was given to Alleigha Prue; second place award of $30 to Temperance Freeman, and third place of $20 to Muhammed Avuan Taqi. In addition, there was an honorable mention issued to Abel Coseriu and Benjamin Bailey.
Last year, an essay was added to the competition in the hope that the contest would get students to write. The essay award of $100 went to Westfield High School senior Ceileigh Thomson.
“When seeing the benefits of this contest I know it is worth dividends,” said Gil. “Students are happy to receive the cash. One student was so happy, having never won anything in his life. We may have changed that student forever, giving him more confidence in himself.”
Gil said she asked another student why she created the poster, and she said because her family was going on a vacation and she was looking for more spending money. She came in second place this year.
“The administrators are happy because their students have an opportunity to display their talents and hard work. We at the club are happy because our young people are helping us to spread the word about not littering in our city to keep it beautiful, make it more sanitary and educate the public to become aware of this policy,” Gil said.
