MORRISTOWN, N.J. (Morris County) — Morris County Clerk Ann F. Grossi announced the winners of the 2026 Morris County Manual Cover Contest during a ceremony held in the Joan Bramhall Conference Room.
The annual contest invites high school students from across Morris County to design the cover of the Morris County Manual, a reference guide that provides contact information for local, county, state and federal officials, as well as boards and commissions. A panel of judges selected the top three designs from this year’s submissions.
“This contest continues to showcase the remarkable talent of Morris County students,” said Clerk Grossi. “Their creativity and dedication are evident in every submission. I am honored to recognize these students, their teachers and the judges who generously gave their time to support this long-standing tradition.”
County Administrator Deena Leary also addressed attendees during the ceremony.
“I use this book every day, and for the next year we will be looking at the winning artwork. I want to thank the county clerk for continuing this tradition and congratulate today’s winners and all who participated. In the year we are acknowledging the 250th anniversary of our nation, the county manual stands as a patriotic symbol of local government and civic service,” Leary said.
The 2026 contest winners received certificates of recognition and scholarship awards.
First place went to Ryan Orr, a senior at Morris Knolls High School, who received a $500 scholarship. His design will appear on the cover of the 2026 Morris County Manual. His teacher, Sandra Ostrowski, was also recognized during the ceremony.
Stephanie Opalka, a senior at Roxbury High School, earned second place and received a $200 scholarship. Her teacher, Scott Schilling, was recognized with a certificate.
Third place was awarded to Lauren McKeon, a senior at Morris Knolls High School, who received a $100 scholarship. Her teacher, Sandra Ostrowski, was also recognized.
In addition to appearing on the front cover, the first-place artwork will be featured alongside the other top designs on the back cover. The artwork of all three students will be framed and displayed at the Morris County Clerk’s Office throughout the year.
Judges for this year’s contest included Randolph Council Member Joanne Veech; former Parsippany Council Member Mike dePierro; and Morris County Clerk’s Office staff members Vincenzo Ferrara, Gaetana Decicco and Ines Prost.
The Morris County Manual, first published in 1906, serves as a comprehensive guide to government contacts and services within Morris County’s 39 municipalities. It also includes congressional and legislative district information and an election timetable for 2026.
The 2026 edition will be available online and in print in the coming weeks, according to the county.
