Town of Boone announces poster contest winners

By Melanie Marshall

The town of Boone announced the winners of fourth annual poster contest for second graders on Tuesday.

The contest is coordinated through the public works department in connection with National Drinking Water Week (May3-9) to bring awareness to water, source pollution and conservation issues.

This year’s theme was “Protect, Collect and Conserve.” Second graders in elementary schools that are connected to the town’s water system are challenged to design a poster portraying the theme.

“The poster contest ties in with our conservation education programs in the schools,” said Rick Miller, public utilities director.

For 2009, the contest attracted 120 entries. The entries are judged by town staff, Mayor Loretta Clawson and council members. Five posters are chosen based a point-based system that examines message and appearance. Prizes are awarded to first, second and third place.

Mariyah Rawl, of Two Rivers Community School, captured first place with her poster “Be Smart! Use Less!” (pictured above, left side).

Rawl will be presented with a new bicycle and a $75 savings bond at the May town council meeting.

Erik Salvenson, of Hardin Park Elementary, took home second place honors for his “H2O So precious, every drop counts” entry (pictured above right). He will be presented with a $40 Wal-Mart gift card and a $50 savings bond.

Griffin Arquette, of Two Rivers Community School, won third place (pictured at left) for his “Water you waiting for?” design. Arquette will receive a $20 Wal-Mart gift card and a $25 savings bond.

Mairin Jacquot, Zak Craven and Lucas Wiley, all of Two Rivers Community School, were awarded honorable mention certificates.

The top three winning posters will be on display during the May 21 town council meeting to be held at council chambers on Blowing Rock Road. They will then be on display throughout the year at the public works building.