Watersheds Student Art Contest Opens Sponsored By PA American Water

Pennsylvania American Water announced today entries are now being accepted for its Eighth Annual "Protect Our Watersheds" Art Contest. The deadline for entries is February 26.
Open to fifth-grade students in schools served by Pennsylvania American Water -- and to individual fifth-graders who live in the company's service area, the contest encourages students to draw on their artistic talents to convey the importance of protecting Pennsylvania's watersheds and water resources.
Pennsylvania American Water recently mailed contest applications to approximately 400 schools in its 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.
"The art contest taps into children's imagination and creativity while instilling the value of environmental stewardship," said Pennsylvania American Water President Kathy L. Pape. "Each year, we've seen the contest grow as more teachers and students participate and make the contest a learning opportunity to understand the human impact -- both positive and negative -- on our watershed and drinking water sources."
In 2009, the company received nearly 670 entries from students across the state. The grand prize winner was Sydney Hill of Spring-Ford Intermediate School in Royersford, Montgomery County.
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.
Download the contest rules and entry form. Download a letter for teachers. Look at the 2009 contest winner.
For more information, please contact Terry Maenza at 610-670-7789, ext. 123 or send email to: terry.maenza@amwater.com, or Cathi Emge at 717-520-4605 or send email to: catherine.emge@amwater.com.