Water Quality Poster Contest winners to be announced at city commission meeting

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

There were nearly 100 more entries this year in the Hays Water Quality Poster Contest than last year. The annual competition is sponsored by the city of Hays and KSU Big Creek Middle Smoky Hill River Watersheds.

Dr. Bob Stephenson, FHSU Associate Professor of Agriculture, examines the 4th grade entries. — Dr. Bob Stephenson, FHSU Associate Professor of Agriculture, votes for a third grade entry.

The judges had to break several ties, according to organizer Stacie Minson, watershed specialist.

All students in Hays, from pre-K through 12th grade as well as Fort Hays State University students, were eligible to compete.

“We had 255 total posters submitted, up from 159 last year,” Minson said.

Themes for 2016, depending on the entrant’s grade level, were “Be Water Wi$e!” and “What’s In Your H2O?” First through third places were determined in each grade. “There are individual cash prizes, up to $250, and class parties for some of the winners,” Minson added.

“The ‘What’s in Your H20?’ posters focus on pollutants in our water that are undesirable and create the potential for unsafe drinking water supplies. Those pollutants could include sediment (soil), nitrogen, phosphorus, E.coli bacteria; household chemicals, and vehicle fluids,” she explained. “The ‘Be Water Wi$e!’ posters focus on water conservation in the Hays community and include conservation efforts in the home, yard, garden, and landscaping.”

water poster 1 — More high school entries

Judges used four criteria to select their favorites:

Water Theme Message–50%
Visual Effectiveness–30%
Originality–10%
Universal Appeal–10%

And these judges are very familiar with water quality and water quantity-themed messages.

water poster judges bright — (L to R) James Leiker, Stacie Minson, Jean Gleichsner, Bob Stephenson, James Riegel, Holly Dickman

The experts included City of Hays Water Conservation Specialist Jason Riegel, Fort Hays State University Assoc. Professors of Agriculture Dr. Bob Stephenson and Dr. Jean Gleichsner, KSU Ellis Co. Extension Horticulture Agent Holly Dickman, KSU Agriculture Research Station Ground Manager Joe Becker and Agricultural Technician Rich Windholz, former Ellis County Wellhead Protection Committee member James Leiker, and Minson.

Rich WIndholz looks over the 255 poster entries. — Rich Windholz looks over the 255 poster entries.

The students, along with their teachers and parents, will be recognized by the Hays city commission at their April 14 meeting. The winners will first be announced in their classrooms tomorrow, April 1.

Northwestern Printers will scan images of the winning posters which will then be used either for 2017 calendars or placemats for local restaurants.

The poster images will also be published on the city of Hays website.