Pasco County Commissioners Recognize First Place Winners

We’re happy to announce this year’s program was successful in getting the attention of the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners. On June 19, 2018, the Commission recognized the winners in the reading of a resolution. The first place winners had an opportunity for a photo op with the Commissioners, received a copy of the resolution that was read, and were also greeted with applause from meeting attendees

2018 winners group photo
Pictured from left to right: Front Row—Terry Pixler, Alivia O’Connor, and Hailey Benavides. Second Row— Commissioner Jack Mariano, Wayne Bertsch (Pasco County Schools Communications and Government Relations Liaison), Matt Rihs (FGUA Community Services Supervisor), Commissioner Mike Moore, Commissioner Mike Wells, Commissioner Ron Oakley, Ariana Marquez, Commissioner Kathryn Starkey, Vanesa Shook (Pasco County Utilities Public Communications Specialist), Laura Daerda (Pasco County Utilities Customer Service Manager), Sarah Rogers (Pasco County Utilities Water Conservation & Efficiency Coordinator), Ashton Johnson (FGUA Community Services Coordinator)

A RESOLUTION BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF PASCO COUNTY, FLORIDA RECOGNIZING AND COMMENDING PASCO COUNTY ELEMENTARY STUDENTS: ALIVIA O’CONNOR, NILA RODRIGUEZ, HAILEY BENAVIDES, ARIANA MARQUEZ, LAILA PARAGON-SINGH, AND TERRY PIXLER AS THE RECIPIENTS OF FIRST PRIZE FOR THEIR GRADE LEVELS IN THE 9TH ANNUAL WATER AWARENESS POSTER CONTEST.

WHEREAS, water is a basic and essential need of every living creature, but is also one of the simplest substances to take for granted; and

WHEREAS, clean, safe and sustainable water resources are vital to Pasco County’s economy, environment and its people; and

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 Water Awareness Poster Contest has been developed jointly by Pasco County Utilities and the Florida Governmental Utility Authority (FGUA); with the support of the Pasco County School Board as a champion for the education of water conservation; and

WHEREAS, this contest has won recognition from the American Water Works Association as a “Best in Class” program for its emphasis on community outreach and education; and

WHEREAS, students are given the opportunity through this program, with the assistance of dedicated Pasco County Schools teachers, to explore STEAM based teaching materials that further expand knowledge of water-related topics within the community through artistic expression; and

WHEREAS, nearly fifteen hundred entries were submitted this year from elementary schools across Pasco County, focusing on the topic of keeping water safe and being safe around water; and

WHEREAS, the winning posters were selected through a rigorous judging process that met the expectations of Utilities, guest judges, and the County Administrator 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 thanks each participating student and teacher for their dedication to promoting water-awareness in Pasco County, and congratulates Alivia O’Connor, Nila Rodriguez, Hailey Benavides, Ariana Marquez, Laila Paragon-Singh, and Terry Pixler for their achievements in being selected First Place among their respective grade levels.

DONE AND RESOLVED THIS 19th day of June, 2018

Additional information can be found under the Agenda and Minutes section of the Pasco County Government website located at www.pascocountyfl.net.

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