Congratulations are in order for one of the area’s youngest residents.

Five-year-old Olivia Lewis entered the Ohio River

Valley Water Sanitation Commission’s annual River Sweep Poster Contest with the help of her mother, Amy Lewis.

Her creation with water colors, markers and crayons landed her first place in the regional competition, which had more than 2,000 entries from eight states.

&uot;They did this all on their own,&uot; Amy Lewis said. &uot;I asked them, ‘What are some of the things that might be in a river that people might have to clean up?’&uot;

Her efforts earned her a $50 savings bond, which she learned about Jan. 9 when she was informed of being the winner.

Olivia Lewis deserves recognition not just because her work stood out above the competition against entries from Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia and Ohio.

She should also be recognized for taking part in such an important project. There are often stories in this newspaper and others about various beautification efforts.

A clean town leaves a positive impression to people who tour the area or are interested in business opportunities. It is important work.

Equally important is the cleanliness of the banks along the Ohio

River. As a county that’s bordered by river, communities from one end to the other are affected by trash and debris that make its way to the banks.

Efforts by various groups and individuals to tackle that problem are valued and deserving of a pat on the back.

Olivia Lewis is making her contribution at an early age.

Good for her.