Harley Gerald, a Chelsea resident, was named the first place winner in the state in the River of Words 2009 art contest for grades K-2.

Gerald, who was honored at the May 19 Chelsea City Council meeting, won for a painting titled “Weekend Adventure.”

River of Words is an environmental art and poetry contest created to promote awareness, literacy and the arts among youths.

Gerald is in the second grade. The student’s artwork can be found at Riverofwords.auburn.edu.