Despite the best efforts by Kitsap County staff to generate interest in an essay and poster contest celebrating county government, only one essay and four poster entries were received.

“I think kids were over-whelmed,” said Sara Clements-Sampson, who ran the contest. “There was the WASL and spring break. We extended the deadline twice but still didn’t get a lot of entries.”

Putting their best foot forward, Kendal Peiguss of Kingston High School won the poster contest, and sole essay entrant Sydnee Elton from South Kitsap High School won that category.

Both were awarded a certificate and a $250 award at a recent county commissioners meeting.

The poster contained several local images placed randomly, including a Washington state ferry, a sailboat, a bridge and a lighthouse.

Signs for Anthony’s Central market and State Route 3 also were included.

Elton’s essay discussed the importance of Student Resource Officers, or SROs, and their impact on the community.

The SROs operate under the auspices of the Kitsap County Sheriff’s office, helping to deal with a variety of incidents.

“I’ve seen these officers in action at my school once or twice,” Elton wrote. “If a bad fight breaks out or a student has brought illegal items onto school property, they are the ones who rectify the situation.”

Elton pointed out how important SROs are at other schools throughout the district, and how problems would be more frequent than if they were not in place.

“The SROs in every community deserve more credit than people give them,” Elton wrote. “Without them, (school) hallways may just be as dangerous as a darkened street. Parents and students should be happy and more relaxed knowing they have someone keeping their stomping grounds safe and almost free of harm.

“These SROs are nice people,” she said, “who provide role models to growing youths who are impressionable and need someone to show them a safer way.”