The City of Norwalk Council meeting on February 4, 2024, featured a special recognition ceremony for local students who excelled in a recycling-themed artwork contest. The event highlighted the winners of the 2025 Community Recycling Awareness Calendar, showcasing the creativity of fifth graders from Pattison, New River, and Euffer Elementary Schools.

The contest, funded by a grant from CalRecycle, encouraged students to explore the theme "Journey of a Bottle." Participants attended an on-campus presentation that educated them on the benefits of recycling and provided resources for further learning. Despite the invitation extended to all local schools, only three participated this year, prompting hopes for increased involvement in future contests.

Michelle Nichols of Nichols Consulting led the recognition, calling each winner to the front for a group photo with the city council. The winners included Angel Delgado, Santiago Diaz, Daniel Gutierrez, and several others, who were celebrated for their artistic contributions to the calendar.

The council expressed gratitude to the students and their families, emphasizing the importance of community engagement in environmental initiatives. Following the ceremony, attendees were invited to enjoy refreshments and celebrate the students' achievements. This event not only recognized young talent but also reinforced the city's commitment to promoting recycling and environmental awareness among its youth.