Editor’s note: This article has been updated since first posted with new and corrected information.
Murphy – It was an evening of celebration on March 11, as about 75 students, parents and their friends gathered to acknowledge the accomplishments of several youth.
First United Methodist Church was a joyful place to be as students gathered to be awarded for their posters, speeches and power point presentations. This year’s annual contest focused on wetlands and why they’re wonderful.
Sheri Goodlet, education coordinator for the N.C. Cherokee County Soil & Water Conservation District, was proud of each student’s involvement.
“It’s amazing to me, the talent that we see coming from these kids,” she said.
The “Wetlands are Wonderful” contest included students in grades 3-6 from Martins Creek and Peachtree elementary schools, as well as Murphy Middle School.
Murphy Middle School sixth-grader Megon England was beaming over her first-place win in the speech category.
“I’m kinda nervous and excited,” she said.
England will go on to compete in the regional contest later this month in Waynesville.
“She’s awesome and she’s so smart,” her proud mom said.
It took England nearly two weeks to complete her speech on the value of wetlands, which she read during the evening’s celebration.
Hazel Holland, who is in the third grade at Martins Creek, was happy to have earned the first-place position for her poster design.
“I think it’s crazy, and I’m super happy,” she said.
Other winners include Emery Bowen, Nevaeh Breazeale, Cecilia Marlee Cardona, Amos Chastain, Allie Crisp, Kade Garrett, Sophia Gharaibeh, Jace Gibbs, Aaliyah Graham, Case Revis, Kinley Roberts, Aria Rowland, Raelynn Thomas and Jocelyn Williams.
Kinley Roberts and Nevaeh Breazeale are the first place poster winners for 4th and 5th grades respectively, who will also go on to the regional competition with their posters.
Teachers played a large roll in encouraging the youngsters as well as the outcome and success of their student’s wetlands project.
Proud teachers include Peggy Cook from Martins Creek, Kary McClure of Murphy Middle and Becky Miller from Peachtree.