For the first time ever, New York Cares organized a citywide writing contest – entitled “New York Cares About the Environment” – to engage public school students in celebrating Hands On New York Day, sponsored by HSBC Bank USA, N.A. The response was inspiring! In total, we received 60 qualified submissions from 4^th, 5^th and 6^th grade students, all of which brought to life the natural poet within. Participating students used the all-mighty pen – their tool of choice – to create poems, stories and essays that presented a modern twist on the age old topic of environmental preservation.

Yvonne P, a 5^th grader from Sunnyside, Queens, was awarded the top prize of a NOOK Color, plus $50 worth of eBooks, for her poem entitled “Nature.”  In celebration of her accomplishment, Yvonne was chauffeured to Riverside Park in the eco-friendly HSBC Checker Cab, where she was presented with her prize and recognized by the volunteer team of 200 HSBC employees, friends and family!

Read more about the contest and the top three winners that made New York Cares bestselling list.