Litter-Free River Annual Poster Contest Winners Announced

Poster by Mirabelle R., of Sacred Heart School.

Friends of the Chicago River celebrates the creativity of Chicago students in imagining a litter-free Chicago-Calumet River system. Our Chicago River Day Poster Contest welcomed submissions of original artwork from Chicago-area elementary and high school students. Sponsored by Waste Management, students were asked to engage an audience on the issues of litter reduction, individual or community action, and ways to improve our rivers. The students participating in the contest were separated into three groups based on their ages. One winner was selected from each group.

View all Winners & Honorable Mentions 

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

Contest Winners:

  • Mirabelle R., Sacred Heart School,Age Category 8-10
  • Maia F., Waters Elementary School, Age Category 11-14
  • Xuying Li, Lane Tech College Prep High School, Age Category 15-18

Honorable Mentions:

  • Naia B., Waters Elementary School, Age Category 8-10
  • Addie S., Waters Elementary School, Age Category 11-14
  • Niki K., Waters Elementary School, Age Category 11-14
  • Benjamin L.V. Cederquist, Waters Elementary School, Age Category 11-14
  • Teresa Dingman, Lane Tech College Prep High School, Age Category 15-18
  • Mia V., Lane Tech College Prep High School, Age Category 15-18

The posters from the winners and honorable mentions will be on display at the McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum for the remainder of the 2023 season. The Bridgehouse Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday until October 30.

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. For more information about the Chicago River Schools Network, check out our “Hands-On River Science” Presentation, or head to the Friends’ Education and Outreach webpage.