Metro Water District Hosts Essay Contest
The Henry County Water Authority (HCWA) recently recognized Zoe Tillman, a middle school student at Strong Rock Christian School, as the local winner of the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District’s annual Essay Contest.
Tillman’s essay, titled “Georgia’s Water,” was among the 15 county winners from middle schools across the Metro Water District. This 20th annual Essay Contest welcomed over 500 student participants who researched and wrote 300- to 500-word essays on one of two topics – highlighting an essential water career, or illustrating why a clean, abundant water supply is essential to the region, especially during a pandemic.
Tillman and the 14 other county winners from across North Georgia received a $100 prize from the Metro Water District, as well as an additional gift card and HCWA swag from the Authority.
Sixth, seventh, and eighth graders in Bartow, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Hall, Henry, Paulding and Rockdale Counties are invited each year to participate in this annual event.
Over the course of the 20 years that the Metro Water District has sponsored its essay contest, this outreach activity has challenged thousands of middle school students to think critically about the importance of conservation and protection of water resources in the region, says Glenn Page, Metro Water District Chairman.
“We are so proud of this year’s essay contest participants,” says Page. “Their essays highlight the critical role that water infrastructure and water professionals play within our society, while reiterating the importance of our collective efforts to protect this vital resource.”
This annual Essay Contest is one of many educational outreach initiatives conducted by the Metro Water District, which features the partnership with and participation by the HCWA.
“We are excited to recognize the Henry County students who took part in this year’s Metro Water District Essay Contest, especially Zoe, as this year’s winner from Henry County,” says Lindsey Sanders, HCWA Environmental Compliance Coordinator. “These are critically important topics for our youth to become familiar with, because they are our future water professionals and they are the ones who are going to have to oversee the preservation and protection of our water resources, especially in the Metro Atlanta Region and here in Henry County.”
HCWA General Manager Tony V. Carnell, who is a product of Henry County Schools, can testify to the career opportunities the water profession can provide local students, as he has advanced from Henry County High School graduate to General Manager of the Authority. He says events like the Metro Water District Essay Contest are ideal for increasing awareness among local students of the job opportunities at the HCWA and the career paths of future water professionals.
“This Essay Contest educates students about our role in the community as a water utility and reminds them of the importance of environmental stewardship,” says Carnell. “It’s also advantageous for us to cultivate the next generation of informed and engaged water customers and water professionals.”
Top Photo:
Strong Rock Christian Middle School student Zoe Tillman is the Henry County Winner of the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District’s annual Essay Contest.
Bottom Photo:
Strong Rock Christian Middle School student Zoe Tillman (center) was encouraged to enter the Metro Water District's Essay Contest by her teacher Cindy Runion (left). Presenting Zoe with her award as the winner from Henry County is Lindsey Sanders (right), HCWA Environmental Compliance Coordinator.
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Media contact: Chris Wood, Ph.D.
P: 770-757-1681
E: chris@jwapr.com or john.wood@gcsu.edu