Two students from Madison Middle School and one from West Seattle High School won awards for their artwork at the 16th Annual Neighborhood Appreciation Day Student Art Contest Awards Ceremony held at Dunlap Elementary School Saturday, Feb. 6.

Delaney Ballard of West Seattle High School and Marie Ong of Madison Middle School won bronze awards. Rahel Yohannes (yōhannez), also of Madison, won silver. They joined nine others from four other schools.

The Department of Neighborhoods sponsored the event, hosted by Director Stella Chao. Mayor Mike McGinn and Councilmember Mike O’Brien spoke and handed out certificates, cash awards, and t-shirts to the winners. The colorful artwork created by students depicting neighborhood scenes and neighbors helping neighbors were on display.

“Great event,” said Mayor McGinn. “Great to see the artwork from the kids. I love events like this because the folks out here right now, what they care about is, ‘Are they going to heave a safe and secure place for their kids? Will they have economic security and strong neighborhoods?’ This is a setting where I’m talking to people about the right things.”