The winners are: Local River of Words Poetry and Art Contest winners were recognized at the Newton County Board of Commissioners meeting on March 17. Sponsored by Keep Covington/Newton Beautiful and judged and funded by the Covington Service Guild, students were invited to create art and write poetry about water. First place winners received $100 savings bonds, second place winners received $75 savings bonds and third place winners received $50 savings bonds. Winners were entered in the national and state River of Words contests.

From left to right: (front row) Christopher Gomes, first place in Art, Kindergarten-Second grade; Katherine Piper, second place in Art, Kindergarten – Second grade; Hudson Bryant, third place Art, Kindergarten - Second grade; Karsten McMichael, first place Poetry, Kindergarten-Second grade; Chloe Evans, second place Poetry, Kindergarten – Second grade; Carson Daniel, second pace Art, Third-Sixth grade; Sydney Sellers, third place Art, Third-Sixth grade; and Jennifer Stephens, second Place Poetry, third-sixth grade; (middle row)  Jayla Porter, first place Art, Third-Sixth grade; Madeline McCanless, first place Poetry, third-sixth grade; Amanda Manowski, first place Art, Seventh-Ninth grade; Micaela Stegall, second place Art, Seventh-Ninth grade; Abrham Bogale, first place Poetry, Seventh-Ninth grade; Shantel Seaman, second place Poetry, Seventh-Ninth grade; and Mariah Clay, third place Poetry, Seventh-Ninth grade; (back row)  Commissioner Mort Ewing, Commissioner Earnest Simmons; Commissioner Tim Fleming, Chairman Kathy Morgan, Commissioner Nancy Schulz, and Commissioner J. C. Henderson.  (Submitted photo)