Combining two prevalent causes, Black, Gold and Green worked to raise awareness for recycling and money for Sophia Hurtado through their annual Recycled Art Contest, with entries displayed in the Blackbox Theatre March 4 – 6. 

As a club, Black, Gold and Green strives to help protect the Earth, deriving the club name from the school colors (black and gold) and the environment (green). Hosting its fifth annual Recycled Art Contest, the club charged a $5 entry fee and awarded three community service hours per entry. Anybody in any grade could participate. 

“The club’s mission is to spread awareness and education of the environment and ways we can protect it. Through nature, people can gain an appreciation,” club advisor and science teacher Mrs. Jennifer Page said. “Reusing is a very relevant part of reducing our environmental impact. It gives all students an opportunity to display their passion for the environment as well.”

To increase awareness of the contest, club president junior Alex Kolondra appeared on the morning announcements to inform the student body about it. Additionally, the club sent out a flyer via email to all students in Upper School. 

About 25 students entered projects, which included drawings, photos, sculptures and poetry. “[Having different project categories] allows our diversely talented student body to all have an opportunity to participate,” Mrs. Page said. “These works can inspire others who come and view the artwork.” 

Judges included officers from Black, Gold and Green and the National Art Honor Society. The winners earned a certificate. Junior Jewel Kyaw, who placed first, utilized the materials lying around her house to create a multidimensional tree, symbolizing the environment, out of cork and recycled boxes. 

“I mainly wanted to use a material that was available in my home already. I didn’t want to buy anything new because that would defeat the purpose of recycled art.” Kyaw said. “My favorite part of the project was creating it. It was calming and peaceful to just hot glue a bunch of corks to a board.”

Through the contest, Black, Gold and Green raised between $200 to $300 for Sophia Hurtado. 

Winners
First Place: Junior Jewel Kyaw, for a 3D tree made from cork
Second Place: Junior Arthur Barbosa, for a pig made from a recycled water bottle
Third Place: Sixth grader Justin Cassini, for an airplane model produced from a box