Unioto student to see design on local billboard

CHILLICOTHE — Local Unioto student, Aubrey Stirewalt, was recently recognized as her design was chosen as the winner in the Ross, Pickaway, Highland, Fayette Recycling & Solid Waste District billboard contests.

See last year: Unioto Elementary student wins Earth Day billboard contest

This annual contest asks local fifth-graders to submit a design about recycling or littering to put on a billboard in honor of Earth Day, which is on April 22. Hundreds of local students submitted designs this year but Sarah Wood, administrative assistant at Ross County Litter Control and Recycling, said Stirewalt's design best fit the theme of ending food waste.

The winning design features a crossed-out trashcan and a checkmark over a recycling bin with the words "Wasting food doesn't make you cool!" Stirewalt said she has always enjoyed drawing and her design started as just a basic idea that she worked to grow. She worked very hard on her submission, even working on it during recess.

When presented with her award she was jaw-droppingly shocked as she had no idea she had won. Stirewalt said it was "awesome" to win and that she will be visiting the billboard once it is put up.

Her teacher, Davina Orr said she is extremely proud of Stirewalt as she is a great student. She is excited to be able to drive past the billboard and know that one of her students designed it.

As the winner, Stirewalt received an Amazon gift card and a miniature replica of her billboard. Orr also received a gift card as her teacher.

Drivers will see Stirewalt's design starting in April and running for the rest of the year at the corner of U.S. 23 and Crouse Chapel Road.

Shelby Reeves is a reporter for the Chillicothe Gazette. You can email her at SReeves@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @Shelby_Reeves_

This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: New Earth Day billboard designed by Unioto Elementary student