The future of Morris County’s creative community was on full display in Morristown this week as student artists from across the county were honored for transforming civic tradition into visual storytelling, following the announcement of the winners of the 2026 Morris County Manual cover design competition.
During a ceremony held in the Joan Bramhall Conference Room at the county complex, Morris County Clerk Ann F. Grossi formally recognized the top three high school artists whose original designs will help define the public-facing identity of one of the county’s longest-running publications. More than a design contest, the annual program continues to serve as a meaningful bridge between government, education and the arts, offering young residents a rare opportunity to see their creative work integrated into an official county document used every day by public servants and residents alike.
Grossi praised the students for pairing artistic skill with civic awareness, noting that each submission reflected both imagination and a thoughtful connection to the role local government plays in everyday life. She also extended recognition to the educators who mentor these young artists and to the judges who volunteer their time each year to ensure the program remains both rigorous and fair.
The Morris County Manual cover contest invites high school students from every corner of the county to interpret the mission, history and public service role of Morris County through original artwork. Entries are reviewed by a panel representing local government and the arts community, with three finalists selected for scholarships and public display. The first-place design is featured on the front cover of the official manual, while all three winning works are reproduced on the back cover and exhibited throughout the year inside the Morris County Clerk’s Office.
County Administrator Deena Leary, who addressed students and families at the ceremony, emphasized the deeper meaning behind the annual publication. As the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of American independence, she said, the county’s official manual stands as a modern expression of civic pride and public service, and the artwork selected for the cover becomes a symbolic representation of the next generation’s connection to democratic institutions at the local level.
This year’s top honor was awarded to Ryan Orr, a senior at Morris Knolls High School. His design will appear prominently on the front cover of the 2026 Morris County Manual and earned him a $500 scholarship. Orr was recognized alongside his art instructor, Sandra Ostrowski, whose guidance and classroom leadership were highlighted as instrumental in nurturing student creativity and professional-level design skills.
Second place was awarded to Stephanie Opalka, a senior at Roxbury High School, who received a $200 scholarship for her cover submission. Her teacher, Scott Schilling, was also formally acknowledged during the event for his commitment to student arts education and creative development within the district.
The third-place honor went to Lauren McKeon, also a senior at Morris Knolls High School, who received a $100 scholarship. Like Orr, McKeon studies under Sandra Ostrowski, reinforcing the strong visual arts program at the Denville-based school and its growing reputation for cultivating student artists prepared to compete at the county level.
In addition to scholarship awards and certificates of recognition, all three students will see their artwork professionally reproduced and framed for public display at the Morris County Clerk’s Office, allowing residents, municipal leaders and visiting community members to view the designs throughout the year. The exhibition has become an anticipated feature within the county building and serves as a tangible reminder that public spaces can also serve as platforms for student expression.
The judging panel for the 2026 competition included Randolph Council Member Joanne Veech, former Parsippany Council Member Mike dePierro, and Morris County Clerk’s Office staff members Vincenzo Ferrara, Gaetana Decicco and Ines Prost. Together, the panel reviewed a wide range of submissions, evaluating technical execution, originality and the artist’s ability to visually reflect the purpose of the county manual.
The ceremony drew a full audience of student finalists, parents, educators, county administrators and elected officials, creating a celebratory environment that underscored the county’s long-standing investment in youth engagement and arts education. For many of the students, the event marked their first formal public recognition within a government setting, reinforcing how creative careers and civic life can intersect in meaningful ways.
First published in 1906, the Morris County Manual remains one of the county’s most enduring reference publications. Today, it serves as a comprehensive guide to local government across Morris County’s 39 municipalities, offering residents direct access to contact information for municipal, county, state and federal officials, as well as boards, commissions and public agencies. The manual also outlines congressional and legislative district boundaries and includes the official election timetable for 2026, making it a practical resource for both voters and public administrators.
The 2026 edition will be released in both digital and print formats in the coming weeks, ensuring accessibility for residents, professionals and organizations that rely on the manual for daily operations. As the publication evolves to meet modern information needs, the tradition of featuring student artwork on its cover remains one of its most visible and community-centered elements.
The contest is part of a broader commitment within Morris County to highlight youth achievement and creative leadership across disciplines. Readers interested in how local communities continue to elevate student voices and cultural programs can also explore Explore New Jersey’s coverage of arts and culture initiatives throughout Morris County for additional stories spotlighting education, creativity and public engagement across the region.
By placing student-created artwork at the forefront of an official government publication, Morris County continues to reinforce that civic identity is not only shaped by policy and public service, but also by the creativity, perspective and talent of the next generation.
