For Immediate Release:
June 23, 2023

County Commissioners & Constitutional officers honor winners of COANJ poster contest

FREEHOLD, NJ – The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners, County Surrogate Maureen T. Raisch, County Clerk Christine G. Hanlon and County Sheriff Shaun Golden honored the winners of the 2023 Constitutional Officers Association of New Jersey (COANJ) poster contest at the Commissioner meeting held on June 22.

The winners of the poster contest were George Lane, first place, St. Leo the Great School; Lucia Ortega, second place, St. Leo the Great School; and Kenneth Shaffer, third place, St. Benedict School.

“We would like to congratulate all of our winners and participants in the COANJ poster contest,” said Surrogate Raisch. “With over 190 wonderful submissions, it made finding our winners a difficult task. The students are incredibly creative and highlighted Monmouth County in so many unique ways.”

“It’s always great to meet and congratulate the talented winners of the annual ‘My County’ poster contest, since they dedicate valuable time to these creative posters,” said Sheriff Shaun Golden. “The project brings out the best in Monmouth County, and, is a notable example of civic engagement, as it helps our students learn more about the great county we live in.”

“After learning about the State of New Jersey in their social studies curriculum, fourth graders from across Monmouth County depicted their favorite aspects of our County and its government through their creative entries,” said Clerk Hanlon. “I commend all of the students who participated in this year’s contest, as we were impressed by their artistic talents and eye-catching posters.”

“The Monmouth County Board of County Commissioners is thrilled to recognize the winners of the ‘My County’ poster contest held by our County Surrogate, County Clerk and County Sheriff,” said Commissioner Director Thomas A. Arnone. “Thank you to our Constitutional officers for hosting such a successful contest.”

Students who received honorable mention recognition were Gabriela Ramos Romns, Middletown Community Elementary School; Lucas Valdez-Hernandez, Avon Elementary School; Sean Kinkela, Avon Elementary School; Emily Milon, St. Leo the Great School; Phoebe Braica, St. Leo the Great School; Aubrey Braica, St. Leo the Great School; Mckenzi Wolfe, St. Rose of Lima School; Andrew Hunt, St. Rose of Lima School; and Anthony Lombardis, St. Catharine School.

The “My County” poster contest was sponsored statewide by the Constitutional Officers Association of New Jersey to commemorate County Government Month which takes place in April every year.

The winning posters will be displayed at the Monmouth County Clerk’s Office, located at 33 Mechanic Street in Freehold.