Sketched Jan. 19, 12:14 a.m. at Dunlap Elementary School in Southeast Seattle.

Sketched Jan. 19, 10:52 a.m. at Hamilton International Middle School in Wallingford.

I've lived in a lot of places, but I've found the friendliest neighbors in Seattle. When we are away, they put out the trash cans and keep an eye out for parcels on our doorstep. If we need to run a quick errand, they are happy to watch the kids. They are always there for us.

Sometimes described as a "city of neighborhoods," Seattle actually has had an official "Neighbor Appreciation Day" since 1995. It's coming up Feb. 12.

Being a good neighbor means "people helping people," said Angel Corpuz, a 4th fourth-grader at Dunlap Elementary School. Her drawing of people and houses holding hands took first place in this year's Department of Neighborhoods student art contest. Grace Corsi, an eighth-grader at Hamilton International School, took first place in the middle-school category with a street scene where kids play ball and a neighbor thanks a carrier for delivering the paper.

Corpuz Corpuz's and Corsi's winning drawings are featured on free postcards available at libraries and community centers, or can be e-mailed at seattle.gov/neighborhoods/neighborday.

What better way for me to show my neighbors one to show them my appreciation?

Sketch-worthy Seattle. Where should I take my sketchpad in 2011? Do you know of a good sketch story waiting to be drawn? I'd love to learn about it. You can send me your suggestions to gcampanario@seattletimes.com or via Facebook or Twitter.

Do you have a story related to the Alaskan Way viaduct? I'm collecting them here as I prepare to take my sketchbook to draw it before it's history.