Newton County River of Words Poetry and Art Contest winners were recognized at the Board of Commissioners Meeting on Dec. 7. All contest entries were required to feature water. Winners received Wal-mart gift cards, with prize costs lessened through a donation from the Service Guild of Covington. First place winners received $30 cards; second place winners received $20 cards; and third place winners received $10 cards. Service Guild members judged the contest.

Front Row, Left to Right: Chloe Evans--1st Place Poetry Grades 3-6, William Banks—3rd Place Art Grades K-2, Allison Van Horn—2nd Place Art Grades K-2, Ashley Healy--1st Place Art Grades K-2, Ethan Ring—2nd Place Art Grades 3-6, Christopher Gomes—1st Place Art Grades 3-6

2nd Row, Left to Right: Garrett Stapp--1st Place Poetry Grades 10-12, Brittani Pruitt—3rd Place Poetry Grades 7-9, Bethany Hicks--2nd Place Poetry Grades 7-9, Alexandria Turcotte--1st Place Poetry Grades 7-9, Nicholas Favors—3rd Place Poetry Grades 3-6, Juan Miguel Hernandez--2nd Place Poetry Grades 3-6, Zachary Faith—3rd Place Art Grades 3-6, not pictured—Tyreeck Woods—2nd Place Poetry Grades 10-12, Mary Lathem—3rd Place Poetry Grades 10-12

Back Row, Left to Right: Commissioner Mort Ewing, Commissioner Earnest Simmons, Chairman Kathy Morgan, Commissioner Tim Fleming, Commissioner J. C. Henderson, Commissioner Nancy Schul