Student winners recognized by city for being “Water Wi$e”

Lincoln 2nd grader Delia Dixon is congratulated by Hays Vice-Mayor Shaun Musil for winning first place.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

It was standing-room only in the Hays city commission chambers Thursday night for the first agenda item.

No controversy to debate.

Instead, the room was filled with the excited winners of the city’s second annual student poster contest promoting water quality and water conservation. The event is organized in partnership with Kansas State University Big Creek Middle Smoky Hill River Watersheds.

“Under the requirements of the city of Hays’ Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit, the city must provide public education and outreach on the value of improving water quality,” explained Stormwater Specialist Steven Walters.

He acknowledged the teachers’ supporting role in promoting the water awareness activity.

“Anytime we can get in the schools and work with young people and bring some of the issues that we face and they will continue to face as they get older and become adults, I think is very important,” Walters said.

Sydney Walker (L) and Calista Isbell, Hays Middle School 7th graders, accept their 3rd and 2nd place awards. — Sydney Walker (L) and Calista Isbell (R), Hays Middle School 7th graders, accept their respective 3rd and 2nd place awards.

Hays students in grades Pre-K through 2nd and 6th through 8th made posters themed “What’s In Your Water?” Students in grades five through eight used the theme “Be Water Wi$e!” High school and Fort Hays State University students could select either topic.

According to KSU Watershed Specialist Stacie Minson, WaKeeney, the contest received 255 entries, up from 159 entries last year–a 60 percent increase.

First through third places in each grade were decided by a panel of local judges who either work within water issues or teach about them.

The winners pose for a group picture with city commissioners and contest organizers.

One by one, Minson called the winners to the podium with a round of applause from the audience. The students received their awards from Jason Riegel, Water Conservation Specialist, in the form of Hays Area Chamber of Commerce Chamber Checks and a hearty congratulations and handshake from each of the city commissioners. Then the entire group posed as proud family and friends held up their phones, cameras and iPads for pictures to mark the moment.

The first-place winners will also get to host a food party for their respective classes.