Winning poster design by John-Paul Heil, 5th Grader from Immaculata Academy Home School in Camp Hill, Cumberland County.

Pennsylvania American Water announced the winners of its fourth annual Protect Our Watersheds Art Contest for fifth-grade students across Pennsylvania. (See all the winners in the attached PDF file.)

Winners were selected from 174 entries received from Pennsylvania American Water service territories, with two finalists recognized in both the eastern and western regions of the state and one state grand-prize winner. The theme for the art contest was Protect our Watersheds.

The grand-prize winner is John-Paul Heil, a fifth-grade student at Immaculata Academy Home School in Camp Hill. John-Paul will receive a $500 educational savings bond for his winning entry. In addition, his winning design will be printed on thousands of "Bloomer" cards that Pennsylvania American Water will distribute. "Bloomer" cards are biodegradable, seed-filled cards that can be planted to produce a variety of wildflowers.

The company also gave out first and second place awards. The first-place winners Kaysie Cleveland from West Branch Elementary, Morrisdale, Pa. (eastern Pennsylvania winner) and Andrew John Shymchyk, a student at John F. Kennedy School in Washington, Pa. (western Pennsylvania winner) receive a $500 savings bond.

Second-place winners are Markie Lynn Collum, Memorial Elementary, Hanover Township (eastern Pennsylvania) and Luke Mingrone, St. Valentine School, Bethel Park (western Pennsylvania) receive a $250 educational savings bond.

The contest provides an opportunity for students to utilize their creative and artistic talents while learning about the importance of protecting our watersheds for future use. The contest also serves as a springboard for teachers to introduce or elaborate on a water curriculum.

Entries were judged on creative vision, artistic talent, understanding of watershed protection and the ability to communicate that message. All students who entered the contest will receive certificates of achievement for recognizing the importance of protecting Pennsylvania's watersheds.

Pennsylvania American Water owns and operates 38 water treatment facilities, three wastewater facilities and approximately 8,900 miles of pipeline to serve customers in 370 communities in 35 counties.

Attachment: Award Winning Poster Designs - PDF

6/12/2005