HERSHEY, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Pennsylvania American Water announced today that entries are now being accepted for its 15th Annual “Protect Our Watersheds” Art Contest. 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.
Pennsylvania American Water recently sent contest information and applications to teachers in nearly 500 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.
“In today’s classrooms, students are more in touch with our environment, learning the role they play in protecting our natural resources,” said Pennsylvania American Water President Kathy L. Pape. “Art is an important aspect of the educational program, and educators are using more STEAM projects in their lessons -- this contest is another facet of that concept.”
The deadline for artwork submissions is March 31, 2017. Contest guidelines and entry forms are available on the company’s website at www.pennsylvaniaamwater.com, under “News and Community.”
In 2016, the company received more than 500 entries from students across the state. The grand prize winner was Sanaa Amanullah a sixth-grade student from Spring-Ford School District in 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.
Pennsylvania American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 2.3 million people. With a history dating back to 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly-traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 6,700 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 15 million people in 47 states and Ontario, Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.
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