BALTIMORE, MD (November 16, 2012) - Maryland First Lady Katie O'Malley today awarded prizes for a seven-foot high dolphin, an octopus, a life-sized “Recycling Queen,” and a hand-stitched American Flag – all made from reused materials – at the 11th annual "Rethink Recycling" Sculpture Contest, hosted by MDE.

The contest challenges Maryland high school students to use recycled materials to create artistic and innovative sculptures. This year 59 entries from 23 different high schools across the State were on display. Sponsors including: Giant Food, Constellation Energy, the American Visionary Art Museum, the American Cleaning Institute, Maryland Recycling Network, Waste Management Inc., Call2Recycle and Sims Recycling Solutions donated prizes, funding and refreshments for this year’s contest.

Contest judges tasked with determining the winners of the contest based on creativity, use of materials, and workmanship included environmental education specialist, artist and founder of "Trashion," Rita Mazzo Galindo, Dan Johannes of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and MDE Deputy Secretary Kathy Kinsey.