FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Link to photos from City of Tampa: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/uxdtwc38dy04v6x4t29ds/AEP6L8MiZ_vr6UY992gGYmc?rlkey=7ov537asayjbqyduasshq0m9c&st=53hnepi0&dl=0
TAMPA, FL (April 23, 2026) — Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) is proud to celebrate several students who were recently named winners in the City of Tampa’s 21st annual 3Rs Art & Poetry Contest, a longstanding initiative that encourages students to share creative messages focused on waste reduction and environmental responsibility.
Each year, students are invited to submit original artwork and poetry inspired by the principles of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Contest winners are selected through public voting, highlighting the strong connection between student creativity and community engagement.
The 2026 HCPS winners include:
Elementary School Category
Art: Ariana Mendiola-Monrroy, Roland Park K–8
Poetry: Henry Luksik, Roland Park K–8
Middle School Category
Art: Swaroopini Meenakshi, Roland Park K–8
Poetry: Olivia Joyner, Roland Park K–8
High School Category
Art: Bella Guzman, Blake High School
“Our students continue to show how powerful learning can be when creativity and purpose come together,” said Superintendent Van Ayres. “Through their art and poetry, these students are not only expressing themselves but also inspiring our community and we are very proud of each of them.”
Winning student poems will be displayed at Julian B. Lane Park, offering the public an opportunity to experience students’ environmental messages firsthand. Winning artwork will be featured on the City of Tampa’s recycling trucks, allowing students’ designs to travel throughout the community.
In addition to public recognition, student winners will receive prizes in honor of their achievements. Following the awards ceremony, winning entries will be showcased online at Tampa.gov/3Rs.
Now in its 21st year, the 3Rs Art & Poetry Contest continues to reinforce the importance of environmental stewardship while giving students a powerful voice through creativity.