Calling Creative Kids: Pennsylvania American Water Opens Annual 'Protect Our Watersheds' Art Contest

HERSHEY, Pa., Feb. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Pennsylvania American Water announced today that entries are now being accepted for its Eighth Annual "Protect Our Watersheds" Art Contest. 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. The deadline for submissions is February 26, 2010. 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. For more information, or to obtain contest materials, log onto Pennsylvania American Water's Web site at www.pennsylvaniaamwater.com.

Pennsylvania American Water, a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Water, is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to more than 2 million people. Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest investor-owned U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately 15 million people in 32 states and Ontario, Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.

SOURCE Pennsylvania American Water