Saturday, Feb. 12, marked Seattle's 17th annual celebration of Neighbor Appreciation Day and the 2011 Department of Neighborhoods "Neighbor Appreciation Day Student Art Contest".

Each year, K-12 Seattle students submit artwork reflecting the day's theme, to be caring and active neighbors. The 1st, 2nd, 3rd place and Honorable Mention winners were hosted at an awards ceremony Feb. 12, at Hamilton International Middle School in Wallingford where they were recognized by Mayor Mike McGinn, Councilmember Mike O’Brien, Hamilton Principal Chris Carter, Dept. of Neighborhoods Interum Director, Bernadette (Bernie) Matsuno, family and teachers. 1st Place winners are featured on official Neighbor Appreciation Day free greeting cards and e-cards.

This year's 1st Place gold medal winner, 4th-grader Angel Corpuz of Dunlop Elementary School in South Seattle has a West Seattle connection. Her father, Romualdao, is employed at the Jefferson Square Safeway, and worked at Admiral Safeway and Roxbury Safeway for 13 years total. Her mother, Andrea, worked at the Admiral Safeway before being moved to Rainier Beach prior to construction.

(Corpuz shared the gold with Grace Corsi, an 8th grader at Hamilton International Middle School.)

Chandra Burnham, a 5th-grader at Sanislo School, won a 3rd Place bronze for her piece. Her art teacher, Morgan McElfresh, said," I am ever so proud of my students and the great work they do every day. I never dreamed one of them would be so successful."

Brianna Nguyen, an 8th-grader from Holy Family Parish School, won an Honorable Mention Crystal Award.

There were 600 entries from 20 schools.

Check out their winning artwork as well as all recognized artwork, at:

www.seattle.gov/neighborhoods/neighborday/2011nadartwork.htm