New Skokie Garbage Truck Adorned With Artwork From Local Students

SKOKIE, IL — Skokie streets are set to showcase outstanding artwork from local students, as its new garbage truck has been adorned with winning pieces from the village's first-ever refuse truck youth art contest.

Twenty-six students from grades 5 to 12 submitted original artwork for the contest, the theme of which was "reducing waste."

Voting was opened to the public and a pair of winners was selected.

The two local students were honored Thursday with a certificate from Mayor George Van Dusen and a ceremony with family members, village officials and school staff.

Leo Malatesta, a 10th grader from Niles North High School, and Max Babakhani, an 8th grader from McCracken Middle School, both posed with their artwork, which has been applied to each side of the village's new refuse truck.

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“People often think of superheroes saving the world, but the true power lies in the day-to-day habits of doing the little things that make this world a better place," Babakhani said, in a statement describing the piece.

"This picture is an example of the true heroes in our everyday life," he said. "One of many depictions of such noble beings composting waste for a tomorrow that not only enriches topsoil - but ensures a better future for generations to come.”

Earlier: Vote For Youth Artwork To Be Featured On Skokie's New Garbage Truck