Morris County Clerk Ann F. Grossi has revealed the 2025 Morris County Manual Cover Contest winners, celebrating the top three finalists at an awards ceremony held in the Clerk’s Office conference room on Court Street.
“This is one of my favorite duties as the Morris County Clerk. Although I shouldn’t be surprised, because I know the capabilities of our students, their ingenuity and creativity continue to amaze me each year. It’s a tribute to the dedication and support of their teachers and families who have brought them here to accept their awards,” said Clerk Grossi.
The annual contest, open to high school students across Morris County, challenges participants to create an original cover design for the county manual. This essential guide provides contact information for local, county, state, and federal officials, along with details about various boards and commissions. A panel of judges reviewed 106 submissions before selecting the top three winners.
2025 Contest Winners
The students honored with certificates and scholarship awards are:
- First Place: Abigail Lezcano, a freshman at Morris Knolls High School, won a $500 scholarship. Her artwork will be featured on the cover of the 2025 Morris County Manual.
- Second Place: Thomas Perrotti, a senior at Randolph High School, earned a $200 scholarship.
- Third Place: Paloma McDonald, a sophomore at Boonton High School, received a $100 scholarship.
Along with being showcased on the manual’s back cover, the winning designs will be framed and displayed at the County Clerk’s Office throughout the year.
Awards Ceremony & Judges
Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi personally presented the first-place award to Abigail Lezcano. The panel of judges for this year’s contest included Lillian Simms, a clerk with the Morris County Clerk’s Office; Lisa Brett, Assistant to Mount Olive Mayor Joe Nicastro; and Stephanie Kaulfers, Legislative Aide to State Assemblyman Christian Barranco.
The ceremony was attended by the finalists, their families, teachers, and local officials, including Morris County Administrator Deena Leary, Assistant County Administrator Brian Murray, Clerk of the Board Debra Lynch, Denville Mayor Thomas W. Andes, Rockaway Township Mayor Joe Jackson, and Randolph Deputy Mayor Mark H. Forstenhausler.
About the Morris County Manual
Originally published in 1906, the Morris County Manual remains an important resource for residents, offering comprehensive government contact information, legislative district details, and the 2025 election timetable. The latest edition will soon be available online at morriscountyclerk.org.
