March 19, 2019, San Jose, California:  Moreland Middle School 6th grade student Tanish Bobde, was honored at the City of San Jose City Council Meeting on February 26, 2019.  Tanish is one of 20 finalists who submitted short poems through this “Litter-ature” competition focusing on litter awareness, a collaboration between the City of San Jose’s Environmental Services Department and Office of Cultural Affairs Public Art Program.  

More than 300 poems were submitted promoting environmental protection.  Judged by Mighty Mike McGee, Poet Laureate of Santa Clara County, 10 winning poems of the 20 finalists had their work turned into graphic art pieces that will be affixed to 500 new public litter cans.  Moreland Middle School 6th grade English Language Arts teacher, Amy Vu, had her students write poetry on litter awareness as a class assignment and encouraged students to submit their work for this competition.  

While Tanish’s poem was not one of the 10 selected to be turned into art, his poem was one of 20 poems selected to be featured in this Litter-ature booklet.  The youngest of the 20 honorees, Tanish received a commendation from San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo for “contributing their creativity, poetry, and vision to beautify the landscape of San Jose.”   Students who submitted winning poems represent Del Mar High School, the Harker School, Downtown College Prep, Moreland Middle School, Miller School and Valley Christian High School.

For more information on the “Litter-ature Project”, visit: http://www.sanjoseca.gov/index.aspx?NID=6310