The Prescott City Council and other citizens heeded the call and gathered for a tree-planting ceremony at Prescott City Park to mark the occasion and celebrate. Prescott was named a 2023 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation for their continued efforts in effective urban forest management. 

Another facet of promoting Arbor Day involved an Arbor Day lesson about trees and a coloring contest for local third graders at Prescott Elementary and Nevada Elementary, sponsored by EDO. Representative Tara Santifer announced the student winners and handed out the prizes. When asked how she felt about being present when the kids discovered they won the coloring contest, Carlton responded by saying, “I feel very privileged. I enjoy it and it’s a good teaching tool so they learn about Arbor Day and how important trees are.”

The student winners were surprised but delighted to learn of their prizes, a gift card from Sonic, and were asked what Sonic order they wanted with their prize. Most said they weren’t sure yet, but A’mina Blakely said she knew she wanted a Sonic burger. When asked what was an important lesson learned from studying Arbor Day, Micahel Massanelli was quick to respond with, “Trees produce oxygen.” See the full list and pics of Arbor Day Coloring Contest winners below.

Nevada Elementary

1st place - A’mina Blakely
2nd place - Faith Adams (not pictured)
3rd place - Swazey Moten

Prescott Elementary

1st place - Michael Massanelli
2nd place - Miranda Chappel
3rd - Landon Douglas