The Coconino Plateau Watershed Partnership (a branch of the Coconino Plateau Water Advisory Council), and Willow Bend Environmental Education Center are excited to announce this year’s winners of the 4th Grade Water Ethic Contest. The annual contest was open to all 4th grade classes throughout Coconino County, including cities, towns, and tribal communities.
The contest creates a fun and rewarding opportunity to introduce children to the concept of ethical water use, including conserving, rainwater harvesting, and water reuse. It also provides an opportunity for the classrooms to discuss where our water comes from and the importance of healthy watersheds, clean waterways, and water for all living things and uses. Participating students demonstrate the principle of responsible water use through both artwork and essays.
Contest winners are:
ESSAY:
1st place essay award: Ella A. (Grand Canyon School)
2nd place essay award: Roslyn S. (Grand Canyon School)
3rd place essay award: Tatiana S., Jeremiah B. and CJ J. (Kinsey Inquiry and Discovery)
ARTWORK:
1st place artwork: Nadeesh V. (Grand Canyon School)
2nd place artwork: Bennett W. (Sechrist Elementar)
3rd place artwork: Kingston K., Aiden M. and Dineh L.
Winning students and their teachers were recognized with certificates, a popsicle class party, and Water Saver Superhero Toolkits that include rain gauges, water conservation coloring books, playing cards, reusable water bottles, and a reusable bag that has the winning students’ artwork displayed on them, and other fun prizes like stickers and magnets.
Another exciting aspect of the contest is that the 4th grader’s submissions are utilized for promoting water stewardship throughout Northern Arizona. Posters are created for classrooms, events, presentations, and are developed into bathroom water awareness signs. The bathroom signs have grown in popularity and can be seen at several public places such as the Grand Canyon South Rim Visitor’s Center, City of Flagstaff, Coconino County, City of Sedona, Northern Arizona University, Marshall Elementary, Grand Canyon School, and many more places throughout the community are in the process of obtaining the bathroom posters.
“This is a creative and engaging effort to promote water conservation and we were excited to partner with the Coconino Plateau Watershed Partnership to make this contest successful” said Moran Henn, Willow Bend’s Executive Director. “This is awesome!” commented one of the contest winners, when receiving her award (and the popsicles).
Next year’s contest is right around the corner so keep an eye out for the contest in August 2022.
