Poets and artists: Newton County River of Words Poetry and Art Contest winners were recognized at the Board of Commissioners Meeting on March 16. All entries were required to feature water. Winners received savings bonds, with prize costs lessened through a donation from the Service Guild of Covington. First place winners received $100 bonds, second place winners received $75 bonds, and third place winners and Honorable Mentions received $50 bonds. Service Guild members judged the contest. First Row, Left to Right: Karsten McMichael - First Place Poetry Grades 3-6, Jackson Stephens - First Place Poetry Grades K-2, Lena Gunthorp - First Place Art Grades K-2, (behind Lena: Bernard Winston - Honorable Mention Art Grades 3-6), Deonna Henderson - Second Place Art Grades K-2, Juan Miguel Hernandez--Honorable Mention Poetry Grades 3-6, Morgan Stovall - Third Place Poetry Grades 3-6, Hudson Bryant - Second Place Art Grades 3-6, and Justin Daffinson - Third Place Art Grades 3-6. Second Row, Left to Right: Bradford Porter - Second Place Poetry Grades 7-9, Kyanna Morris - First Place Art Grades 7-9, Destiny Sessums - Second Place Art Grades 7-9, Riley Farley Taylor - First Place Art Grades 3-6, Jayla Porter - Honorable Mention Art Grades 3-6, Matthew Sargent - Second Place Poetry Grades 3-6, Shawna-Marie Walker - First Place Poetry Grades 7-9, Lauren Stier - First Place Art Grades 10-12; not pictured - Griffin Autry - Third Place Art Grades K-2.