From classrooms across Wake County, more than 560 students in grades 3–5 joined the “We All Live in a Watershed” poster contest, turning art into action by showing how everyone can help protect local waterways. Three students took the top prizes in each grade and will advance to regional and state competitions.
“Students were invited to create posters that explain what watersheds are, why they matter and how we can protect them,” said Wake County Commissioner Susan Evans. “This annual educational competition has seen many Wake County students succeed at the regional and state levels.”
Each entry received a ribbon, and the first- and second-place winners received framed certificates and earned cash prizes – $50 for first place and $25 for second place.
The first-place winner in third grade is Aarshvi Undale of Morrisville Elementary, who spent nearly two months completing her poster. “My favorite part was making the river and sea creatures and the earth. Water and water creatures join together to make a watershed,” Aarshvi said.
Ridhi Bevara of Apex Friendship Elementary earned first place in fourth grade, and Edward Ng of Green Hope Elementary took first place in fifth grade. He used crayons, markers and colored pencils to create a bright, colorful poster. “To other kids, I’d say keep going. If you make a mistake, it’s okay. You can cover it up and improve other parts of the poster,” Edward said.
The contest is administered by the Wake Soil and Water Conservation District and sponsored by Novonesis, a global biotechnology company based in North Carolina.
