Eight student artists from six Papillion La Vista Community Schools were recognized as finalists in an Arbor Day poster contest tied to the City of Papillion's annual Arbor Day Celebration on April 29, 2026. The contest theme invited students to honor the legacy of Mayor David Black and his 17 years of dedicated service to preserving and developing Papillion's trees and natural spaces.

The contest was organized through PLC Schools Cooperation BEST, which facilitated student participation across the district. Congratulations go to the eight finalists: Veronica from Bell Elementary, Mila from Ashbury Elementary, Mateo and Karsyn from Rumsey Station Elementary, Liana from Tara Heights Elementary, Landyn from Prairie Queen Elementary, and Camryn and Brooke from Walnut Creek Elementary.

The contest gave students an opportunity to engage with their community's history and environmental stewardship in a creative and meaningful way. By researching and illustrating Mayor Black's contributions, students connected classroom learning about nature and community to a real-world legacy unfolding in their own city.

PLCS is proud to support student participation in community events like the Arbor Day Celebration. Partnerships with the City of Papillion and programs like BEST provide students with authentic opportunities to contribute artistically and civically, reinforcing the district's commitment to developing well-rounded, engaged community members.