Niles North High School student Leo Malatesta created winning artwork for the Skokie Refuse Truck Youth Art Contest. More than two dozen students in grades 5-12 submitted original artwork to illustrate the theme “Reducing Waste.” This first-ever contest is part of the Village of Skokie’s Environmental Sustainability Plan goal.

The public voted on two designs, one by a middle school student and one by a high school student. The middle school winner is Max Babakhani, an 8th grader at McCracken Middle School.

On May 9, Skokie Mayor Van Dusen and Niles North art teacher Melissa Connell joined family members, school administrators and Public Works staff to congratulate Leo for his exceptional work.