Council recognizes student water-conservation winners, school anti-hate designation and local volunteers

The Wellington Village Council used part of its May 12 agenda to recognize community groups and student achievements.

The council presented a proclamation acknowledging the local winners of the American Water Works Association Drop Savers water-conservation poster contest; staff said 463 posters were submitted this year. Ann Julie Pance, the village utility director, said the contest promotes water awareness and environmental stewardship and read the list of division winners. Winners named for first place in their divisions included Celeste Ocampo (division 1), Lily Flores (division 2), Winter Vega (division 3), Bentley Davis (division 4) and Scarlett Kirk (division 5).

Council also recognized Wellington High School after it earned a No Place for Hate designation. Sofia Menacapelle, president of the school’s No Place for Hate chapter, described student activities that supported inclusion and thanked school staff and club sponsors.

The council honored the Emerald Cove Middle School boys basketball team after an undefeated 14–0 season and Palm Beach County championship. Coaches and school representatives accepted the recognition and the council took photos with the team.

Separately, Crown Pearls of Wellington presented the village with an award acknowledging partnership and volunteer support for the organization’s events; Adrianna Ortiz Coffey, president of the Crown Pearls, and Joan Asbury of Alpha Kappa Alpha spoke and presented the award.

These recognition items were ceremonial and did not require council action.