We’re happy to announce that this year, the program was successful in getting the attention of the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners. On June 21, 2016, the Commission recognized the winners in the reading of a resolution. The first place winners had an opportunity for a photo op with the Commission, received a copy of the resolution that was read, and were also greeted with applause from meeting attendees.
Pictured from left to right: Front Row – Madison Houck, Campbell Fowler, and Andrew Montalvo. Second Row – Jeremy Castanza (FGUA – Special Projects Coordinator), Commissioner Mike Moore, Commissioner Ted Schrader, Matthew Rihs (FGUA – Community Services Supervisor), Commissioner Mike Wells, Commissioner Jack Mariano, and Frank Galdo (Pasco County Utilities – Water Conservation & Efficiency Coordinator)
Text from the resolution is provided below:
WHEREAS, the steps we can take to protect and preserve our water through education, partnerships, and positive actions should be encouraged throughout Pasco County; and
WHEREAS, the Annual Water Awareness Poster Contest program is a drawing contest, but over the last seven years, it has become much more – in large part, due to the community engagement, education, and outreach features. Last year, the program drew interest from close to 50% of Pasco County’s public elementary schools. Over the years, the contest has been featured in local news sources and has even won recognition from the American Water Works Association as a “Best in Class” program for its emphasis on outreach and education; and
WHEREAS, because the program is developed with guidance from the District School Board of Pasco County, the program is mindful of curriculum standards and can be implemented by both art and science elementary teachers. The contest also features opportunities for presentations from FGUA and/or Pasco County Utilities staff, so that teachers, staff, and students can learn more about water. Each year, the theme changes so that teachers can look forward to teaching water in new and exciting ways; and
WHEREAS, students were given the opportunity through this program, with the assistance of dedicated Pasco County Schools teachers, to share their knowledge of water-related topics with their community by creating an original poster and underwent a rigorous judging process that met the expectations of community volunteers, guest judges, and a Pasco County Commissioner; and
WHEREAS, nearly two thousand poster entries were submitted this year from elementary schools across Pasco County, focusing on the topic of recycling water; and
WHEREAS, the winning posters were selected for displaying a combination of exceptional artistic merit, creativity, and clarity of message.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Pasco County, Florida, in regular session duly assembled, that said Board hereby congratulates Andrew Montalvo, Emma Bell, Tiana Semenov, Ava Christaldi, Campbell Fowler, and Madison Houck for their achievements in being selected First Place among their respective grade levels in the Annual Water Awareness Poster Contest, and thanks each student and teacher for their dedication to promoting water-awareness in Pasco County.
DONE AND RESOLVED this 21st day of June, 2016.
Additional information can be found under the Agenda and Minutes section of the Pasco County Government website located at www.pascocountyfl.net.
