Poster contest entries display pride in local government

The MMA is announcing the winners of its 3rd Grade Poster Contest, for which students created artwork that celebrates local parks, police officers and firefighters, libraries, schools and public works.

The contest asked third graders to depict a municipal service of their choosing.

First-place winner Gabriel Godbout of Chicopee created a poster, titled “Local Government is Everywhere and Important,” that highlighted Chicopee’s Public Works Department, Police and Fire departments, Parks and Recreation program, and schools. For his first-place poster, Gabriel won $250.

Second-place winner Samantha Dunois of Attleboro made a colorful picture showing a firefighter putting out a burning building and a police officer escorting a child.

Third-place winner Milena Fernandes of Marlborough created a poster saying, “Local government is fun, safe, smart and helpful,” and showing off the town’s parks, police and fire stations, schools, library and City Hall.
At a time when cities and towns find it increasingly difficult to fill important positions on volunteer boards or to reach quorums for town meetings, the MMA’s 3rd Grade Poster Contest, along with its 8th Grade Essay Contest, seek to expand students’ knowledge of local government and instill an interest in civic participation at a young age, leading to a more informed constituency and greater engagement by residents.

The contests were held in conjunction with the MMA’s 39th Annual Meeting & Trade Show, which takes place this Friday, Jan. 19, and Saturday, Jan. 20, at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston.

Prizes were sponsored by the Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association.

First-place poster

Second-place poster

Third-place poster