Anna Zerbe, a third-grader at the Honey Brook Elementary Center, was recently named the winner of a student art competition presented by the Chester County Sheriff's Office. As part of the contest, themed "Law Enforcement in the Community," students in kindergarten through grade 12 were invited to create an original piece of art to show their appreciation for law enforcement.

Anna's winning photo, which she completed with markers, depicts a police car traveling along a road along with a written message that reads, "Dear police officers. Thank you for keeping us safe!"

For winning the first-time competition held this past summer, Anna received a certificate of recognition, a photo with Chester County Sheriff Kevin D. Dykes and a tour of his office, as well as a gift basket filled with art supplies. Anna, 8, was accompanied to the sheriff's office by her parents, Jennifer and Jonathan Zerbe, and her sister, Elizabeth Zerbe.

"During her tour, Anna loved seeing the patrol vehicles and motorcycles," said Noah Stribrny, command staff liaison of the sheriff's office, who developed the idea to hold the art contest as a community outreach.

Jennifer said she read about the contest in a July edition of the Community Courier. "I told (Anna) about it, and she wanted to do it," she said. "She loves to draw, and I think she was motivated by the chance to tour the sheriff's office."

Since the summer's art competition was such a success, Stribrny has announced that the sheriff's office will hold a spring art competition with the theme "My Favorite Things in Chester County!" Students may use pencil, ink, markers, colored pencils or paint to create their work.

The contest is open to students in kindergarten through grade 12. Once again, the prizes will include a tour of the sheriff's office, a certificate from the sheriff and a photo with the sheriff. The winning artwork will be displayed in the lobby of the Chester County Sheriff's Office in West Chester.

For complete rules and submission details, visit http://www.chesco.org/5569/Student-Art-Competition or scan the QR code at http://www.facebook.com/ccsopa. Those with questions can email Stribrny at nstribrny@chesco.org. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, May 7.