Student Artist Poster Contest Winners

Image by Victoria Gizycki of Ebinger Elementary School.

Friends of the Chicago River celebrates the creativity of Chicago students in inspiring action to improve our rivers and communities by creating a Litter Free Chicago-Calumet River system. Sponsored by WM, our Chicago River Day Student Poster Contest welcomed submissions of original artwork from Chicago-area elementary and high school students. Participants were asked to engage an audience on the issues of litter reduction, individual or community action, and ways to improve our rivers. Students participating in the contest were separated into three groups based on age. One winner was selected from each age group.

Friends is inspired by the artistic and thoughtful work of all participating student-artists and extends sincere congratulations to our winners.

Contest winners are in category ages 8-12, 13-15, and 16-18. View the winning posters here.

  • Victoria Gizycki, Ebinger Elementary School, Winner for Ages 8-12
  • Naya A., Ebinger Elementary School, Honorable Mention for Ages 8-12
  • Sophia D., Ebinger Elementary School, Honorable Mention for Ages 8-12
  • Aliyah G., Burroughs Elementary School, Winner for Ages 13-15
  • Amber Raczka, Ebinger Elementary School, Honorable Mention for Ages 13-15
  • Colleen C., Ebinger Elementary School, Honorable Mention Ages 13-15
  • Reagan R., Lane Tech High School, Winner Ages 16-18
  • Kyla Mejorada, Lane Tech High School, Honorable Mention for Ages 16-18
  • Isabela M., Lane Tech High School, Honorable Mention Ages 16-18

The posters from the winners and honorable mentions will be on display at the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum for the remainder of the 2024 season. The Bridgehouse Museum, which is available for private rentals, is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday through October 26.

Participating schools are part of Friends' Chicago River Schools Network (CRSN), a program that provides K-12 teachers the training and personalized assistance they need to immerse their students in the turbulent history, evolving ecology, and improving health of the Chicago River. Since 1996, the CRSN has reached nearly half a million students throughout the region and public schools represent 90% of CRSN participants with more than 50% from low-income families.