On Friday, November 22nd, 2024, two Southern Garrett County High School students joined 53 students from fifteen (15) schools across the state to participate in the 22nd Annual "Rethink Recycling" Sculpture Competition hosted by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) in Baltimore.
Isabelle Savage, a Senior at Southern Garrett High School, competed with a “Manta Ray” made with aluminum pop tabs, plastic, cardboard, wood, textiles, and newspaper.
Lani Daughtry, a Junior at Southern Garrett High School, participated in the competition with her sculpture, “Beetles.” The sculpture was made with aluminum cans, nails, and wood.
After all attendees—including students, teachers, judges, parents, sponsors, and government personnel—had the opportunity to vote in the People’s Choice category, two sculptures were selected as the most popular. Isabelle Savage’s “Manta Ray” came in 2nd place. Miss Savage was awarded a $100 Amazon gift card and two passes to the National Aquarium.
All students participating in the competition were given $25 gift cards from Amazon.
Since 2001, MDE has celebrated America Recycles Day by hosting the annual “Rethink Recycling” Sculpture Contest. High school students from across Maryland are invited to participate by creating sculptures made of recycled and reusable materials. This competition is just one way MDE educates and empowers the public to reuse and recycle materials that would have otherwise gone into landfills.
This competition is held yearly in November to celebrate America Recycles Day and all students enrolled in Garrett County Schools’ grades 9-12 may enter. Students are urged to begin their sculpture projects as early as possible.
For more information on the 2025 state sculpture competition or recycling in Garrett County, please contact Kimberly Madigan the Garrett County Department of Public Works – Solid Waste & Recycling Division Recycling Coordinator at 301-334-7492.
Isabelle Savage presents her “Manta Ray" sculpture:
