In a recent Dublin City Council meeting, community service and local pride took center stage as the council recognized significant contributions and celebrated the winners of the 2024 Dublin Pride Week contests.

The meeting began with a heartfelt tribute to a long-serving community member, Linda, who was honored with a certificate of recognition, the city flag, and the American flag. Council members expressed their gratitude for her service, inviting her family to join in a commemorative photo session.

Following this recognition, Shelby Perry, a recreation coordinator from the Parks and Community Services Department, presented the highlights of the Dublin Pride Week, which ran from April 20 to April 27. The week featured various events, including a volunteer day that attracted over 450 participants, a prescription drug take-back initiative, a compost giveaway, and a food drive for the Children's Emergency Food Bank.

Perry then shifted focus to the winners of the Dublin Pride Week contests, which included a photo essay contest, a poster contest, and a nature photography contest. The Nature in Our Backyard photo contest received 193 submissions, with the community voting for their favorites. The grand prize was awarded to Remy for the photograph titled \"Double Dublin,\" while Bharati, Prasad, and Rita secured the top three spots.

The essay contest invited students from public and private schools to write on the theme \"Green City, Bright Future,\" with winners receiving gift cards and certificates. The poster contest, judged by the San Ramon Women's Club, showcased creative works that aligned with the Pride Week celebrations.

As the meeting concluded, the council members congratulated all contest winners, inviting them to take photos with the council, further fostering a sense of community and pride in Dublin.