TOMS RIVER – As part of National County Government month activities, fourth graders in Ocean County have again created posters choosing what they consider the best qualities of a County that is home to more than 630,000 residents. And now it's time for the public to vote on the best posters.

"The ‘My County' Poster Contest is a great way to teach our young residents about Ocean County and all it has to offer," said Ocean County Commissioner Gary Quinn, who is liaison to the Ocean County Clerk's office. "The entire Board of Commissioners is appreciative of all the students who participate in this annual event."

As in the past few years, the public is invited to select their top four choices in the contest. The posters are now available to view on the Ocean County Clerk's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/OceanCountyClerk/ or by simply visiting www.oceancountyclerk.com and clicking on the link for Vote for Your Favorite Poster. Voting is open from now until May 25. The four posters receiving the highest number of "likes" will be the top four winners including first, second and third place and honorable mention.

"The fourth graders did an outstanding job showing the many aspects that make Ocean County a great place to live in their posters," said the Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners John P. Kelly. "We look forward to meeting the winners and congratulating them on their outstanding work."

Ocean County Clerk Scott M. Colabella, who leads the annual poster contest, noted that his office received 60 posters from pupils attending 21 different schools in Ocean County. There are 10 posters on the County Clerk's Facebook page to vote on or like.

"The public can view the posters and cast their votes by liking the poster until May 25 when voting closes at 3 p.m.," Colabella said. "I want to extend my appreciation to each of the students, their teachers and schools for their participation.

"As those who vote will see, the students are very creative," Colabella said. "The art work represents many popular areas of the County including the Barnegat Lighthouse, our beaches, or one of the many attractions such as the Jersey Shore BlueClaws, Jenkinson's Aquarium and Six Flags."

"This hands-on contest helps children learn about their respective county and its many resources, whether environmental, recreational or historical," he said.

The winning student artists will be recognized by Ocean County's Constitutional Officers and the Ocean County Board of Commissioners at a future date.