The month of April has been designated as National County Government Month, an annual celebration of county government and the services and programs local government provides. Since 1991, the National Association of Counties (NACo) has encouraged a spotlight on county programs during this time to raise public awareness and create a focus on the various services provided to the community.
This year’s theme for the NACo observance is “Counties Matter.”
“Whether responding to COVID-19’s health and economic challenges, strengthening infrastructure, ensuring public safety or building vibrant communities, Counties Matter,” said NACo President Gary Moore. “Now, more than ever, our residents are seeing firsthand the essential functions counties perform. This observance will help highlight how counties work to improve people’s lives every day.”
To coincide with this observance, a student art competition is being held to help younger generations learn about county responsibilities and leadership. The goal is to start a dialogue as students are invited to complete this sentence, “I love my county because…” An accompanying work of art, depicting how local county government impacts the community, should be submitted with each entry.
Winning artwork will be selected by NACo judges and will be featured in a glossy 18-month calendar to be distributed nationwide. In addition, winning entries – 18 in all from across the nation – will be on display at NACo headquarters in Washington, D.C.
On the local level, students who participate – alongside their work – will be featured in a county-wide social media campaign spotlighting the programs and services provided in Granville County. Local entries will also be displayed at all four branches of the Granville County Library System.
Students who are eligible to compete must be between the ages of 5 and 18 (grades 1 through 12) in the 2020/2021 academic year. Each submission must be original artwork created in the current school year.
Artwork must be horizontal in format (11 by 8.5 inches, to fit the national calendar size) and will be judged on technical skill and creativity. All entries must reflect the completed statement “I love my county because _________ __________ _______,” with the blanks filled in and included with the artwork submitted. While there is no limit to the number of words used to complete the sentence, all entries must include the artist’s name, grade, school and contact information.
“We are looking forward to seeing some creative work from our younger citizens and future leaders,” said Granville County Board of Commissioners Chair Sue Hinman. “We want to ensure Granville County students are represented in this contest, because OUR County Matters!”
Submitted artwork should be sent to:
Granville County Administration
County Manager’s Office
PO Box 906
Oxford, NC 27565
Entries may also be brought to the County Administration Office at 141 Williamsboro Street in Oxford or submitted by email to lynn.allred@granvillecounty.org.
The submission deadline is May 31, 2021. All local entries will be forwarded to NACo for the national contest. For more information, please contact Lynn Allred, Granville County Public Information Officer, at 919-693-5240.
