Copeland Bender wins Arbor Day poster contest

Copeland Bender wins Arbor Day poster contest
Gulf Shores’ tree giveaway Feb. 29 at Erie Meyer Civic Center

By Mary Wayne Gilmore
Copeland Bender, fifth grade student at Gulf Shores Elementary School, received recognition of first place with his entry in the Alabama Arbor Day Poster contest. He and his family will travel to Montgomery on February 27, to share his artwork with Governor Kaye Ivey and be recognized as the first place winner for the State of Alabama.  Following a short speech, Copeland will plant a tree on the Capitol grounds with Governor Ivey. Copeland’s poster and those of the second and third place local winners are currently on display at the Alabama State Park Woodside Restaurant.
Copeland will be honored at the City of Gulf Shores Arbor Day festivities on Saturday, February 29, at the Erie Meyer Civic Center.  Additionally, the second and third place Gulf Shores Elementary School winning entries will also be on display and the students honored.
The City of Gulf Shores, the Beautification Board, and the Public Works Department sponsor the Arbor Day activities. All residents are encouraged to participate in the tree give away, the drawing for fruit trees, and visit informational booths of local organizations. The Gulf Shores Arbor Day festivities are from 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. at the Erie Meyer Civic Center.
Pictured: Marlene Johnt, Copeland Bender, Dr. Rachel McDaniel.