Montgomery, AL, February 27, 2004 - Matthew Ponzo, 5th grader at Monte Sano Elementary School in Huntsville, AL, is the Alabama State Winner in the 2004 Arbor Day National Poster contest. He was honored during the official state Arbor Week festivities in Montgomery, February 27.

Ponzo's poster was selected by the Urban and Community Forestry Technical Committee. The contest, sponsored by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (www.aces.edu), Alabama Urban Forestry Association (www.aufa.com) , The National Arbor Day Foundation (www.arborday.org) and Toyota Motor Corp., asked students to create a poster reflecting the theme "Trees are terrific... in cities and towns."

The annual contest educates children about the importance of planting and caring for trees. More than 1,200 students from 57 schools participated. Fifty-seven posters were selected locally for inclusion in the State contest. As the winner, Ponzo received a certificate, $40, a hat, shirt, cap, cd case, an Arbor Day tote bag, and other prizes. Governor Bob Riley presented him with the Arbor Week 2004 proclamation. Ponzo is also a finalist for the national contest.

"We are very happy Alabama participated this year," says John Rosenow, president of The National Arbor Day Foundation.

"Students like Matthew have learned about the importance of trees to our environment and how they can make a difference."

Runners-up were Natalie Nguyen from Rainbow Elementary in Madison city, and Nick Moore from Wilsonville Elementary in Shelby County.

Both received certificates, cash prizes and other gifts. Their teachers also received prizes and classroom materials. All three 4-H'ers assisted in planting a dogwood tree on the Capitol grounds.

Dr. David West, Calhoun County Extension Coordinator, who also coordinates the Arbor Day poster program, presented each student their awards and also sent awards to their teachers.

"We couldn't conduct this program without our local educators. Thanks to our sponsors for providing the opportunity and means to conduct the program and recognize the participants. And thanks to Governor Riley and his staff for their support," says West.

The program will be open to fifth-grade students again beginning in the Fall of 2004. Check the Alabama Cooperative Extension System web site (www.aces.edu) or National Arbor Day Foundation Web site (www.arborday.org) for updated contest information in October, or contact David West (dwest@aces.edu).

Matthew Ponzo, Monte Sano Elementary School, Huntsville, Alabama


Tree planting. Matthew, Natalie and Nick, 1st-3rd respectively.