Surrogate Raisch & Clerk Hanlon with (L-R) Sedona LaManna, Michael Nolan, and Mackenzie Marrero

(FREEHOLD, NJ) – Monmouth County's Constitutional Officers have announced the winners of the 2024 "My County" fourth-grade poster contest sponsored by the Constitutional Officers Association of New Jersey (COANJ).

As Monmouth County’s Constitutional Officers, Clerk Christine Giordano Hanlon, Sheriff Shaun Golden and Surrogate Maureen T. Raisch selected the winners from more than 270 entries depicting aspects of county government as well as characteristics that make Monmouth County unique.

“There were a record-breaking number of entries submitted this year, so as Constitutional Officers, it was wonderful to see our elementary school students take on this fun and educational opportunity to learn more about our great county,” said Clerk Hanlon.

Each poster receiving an award will be on display for a month on a rotating basis over the next 12 months at the Monmouth County Clerk’s Office in Freehold.

“We were so impressed with the talent and creativity of these fourth-grade students, who demonstrated their knowledge of Monmouth County in such artistic ways,” said Surrogate Raisch.

The top three winners, who were presented with their certificates and prizes at a Board of County Commissioners meeting, are:

* First place: Sedona LaManna of Atlantic Highlands Elementary School

* Second place: Michael Nolan of St. Leo the Great School, Lincroft

* Third place: Mackenzie Marrero of Fairview Elementary School, Middletown

In addition to the top three winners, the following nine students were recognized with honorable mention awards: Bailey Boulos, Charlotte DeLuca, Isabella Fuentes, Juliette Girgis and Ellie Tobin of St. Leo the Great School, Lincroft; Faye Kotzas and Lyla Cononico of Atlantic Highlands Elementary School; Emilia Pignata of St. Rose of Lima School, Freehold; and Emma Gerace of Lafayette Mills School, Manalapan.

“We are extremely proud of the poster contest winners and all students who participated. A project like this helps them learn more about the great county we are so fortunate to call home,” said Sheriff Shaun Golden. “I commend all of these fourth-grade participants as they continue to impress us each year with their knowledge of Monmouth County and tremendous ability to use their artistic talents to create eye-catching posters.”