On February 12, PA American Water announced entries are now being accepted for its 17th Annual Protect Our Watersheds Student Art Contest. The deadline for entries is April 12.

All fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-grade students in schools served by Pennsylvania American Water are eligible, as well as individual students who live in the company’s service area.

The contest encourages students to tap into their artistic talents to express the importance of protecting Pennsylvania’s water resources.

Contest information and applications were recently sent to teachers in nearly 500 schools in PA American Water’s service territory. Winners will be selected based on creative vision, artistic talent, understanding of watershed protection and the ability to communicate that understanding.

As part of their entry, students must write a brief narrative on the personal impact of watershed protection.

“These students are the future stewards of our natural resources and they recognize the importance of protecting the environment,” said PA American Water President Jeffrey McIntyre. “Our annual art contest provides a creative outlet for sharing what they have learned about our watersheds and how they can have positive impacts on our drinking water sources.”

In 2018, the company received more than 800 entries from students across the state. The grand prize winner was Benjamin Bischoff, a sixth-grade student from the Pittsburgh Creative and Performing Arts School.

In total, six students will be recognized with a first-, second- and third-place winner selected from eastern and western Pennsylvania.

First-place winners will be rewarded with a $100 gift card to Barnes & Noble. Two second- and third-place winners will be awarded a $50 and $25 gift card, respectively.

In addition, the overall grand prize winner will have her/his artwork featured on “Bloomer” cards distributed by Pennsylvania American Water. Bloomer cards are seed-filled packets that, when planted and tended, produce a variety of wildflowers.

All entrants will receive a Watershed Champion certificate. Awards will be presented in May as part of National Drinking Water Week activities.

For more information on the contest, visit the Protect Our Watersheds Student Art Contest webpage and questions should be directed to: Pa.communityrelations@amwater.com.

Information on other community programs is available on the PA American Water Community Involvement webpage.

(Photo: 2018 Grand Prize Winner, 6th Grader Benjamin Bischoff from Pittsburgh.)

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[Posted: Feb. 12, 2019]

2/18/2019