HERSHEY, PA, Feb. 5, 2015 -- Pennsylvania American Water (PAW) -- a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), the nation's largest publicly traded water and wastewater utility company -- recently announced that entries are now being accepted for its 13th Annual "Protect Our Watersheds" Art Contest.
All fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-grade students in schools served by PAW 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.
PAW is currently sending 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.
"Each year, we are amazed by the students' incredible creativity in expressing how all of us play a role in protecting the environment," said PAW President Kathy L. Pape. "This contest is a fun, creative way for children to learn about our precious water resources and the importance of protecting our watersheds."
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 PAW. 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.
The deadline for artwork submissions is April 10, 2015. Contest guidelines and entry forms are available on the company's website at www.pennsylvaniaamwater.com, under "About Us" and "Community Programs."
See also:
"PA American Water kicks off sixth annual 'Stream of Learning' Scholarship Program"
"PA American Water grows water footprint with new acquisitions"
About PA American Water
Pennsylvania American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 2.1 million people. Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs approximately 6,600 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 14 million people in more than 40 states and parts of Canada. For more information, visit www.amwater.com.
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