Assemblyman Matt Slater (R,C-Yorktown) joined Brookside Elementary School and Putnam County Youth Bureau on April 21, 2023, at 1 p.m. to announce the winners of his Earth Day photo contest. Slater held this contest throughout the 94th Assembly District for kids to learn about the importance of taking care of our planet and protecting the environment. Mrs. Larsen’s second-grade class and members of the Putnam County Youth Bureau took on the challenge and created drawings that were judged and elected winners by the Putnam Arts Council.

“The saying goes, ‘Everyone’s a winner’ – and as cliche as it sounds, it truly could not be more relevant to Mrs. Larsen’s second-grade class and Putnam County Youth Bureau. I was amazed to see the incredible talent from such young children, whose drawings represented Earth Day. Not only were their drawing skills impressive but so were their attitude and ambition in making the earth a cleaner and safer place to live. When I get the opportunity to meet with younger generations around my district, it drives me to be the best version of myself and to do better for them. Earth Day should serve as a reminder to everyone to do their part and not only do better for ourselves but for our children. We have to leave the earth in better shape than when we found it, and I have all the faith in the world, Mrs. Larsen’s second-grade class and the Putnam County Youth Bureau are ready to uphold that moral duty,” said Slater.

Joyce Picone, President and Executive Director of Putnam County Youth Bureau, said, “I am thrilled to have been involved with Assemblyman Slater’s Earth Day Poster Contest. Viewing the work and meeting some of the young artists was an honor and a pleasure,”