Murphy – There were a lot of smiles and cheers on the evening of March 14, when children, parents and teachers gathered to celebrate the winners of the Cherokee County Soil & Water Conservation District’s poster contest.
Upon arrival to the ceremony at Murphy First United Methodist Church, students in third, fourth and fifth grades from different schools were unaware of who were the first-, second- and third-place winners. The poster theme was “Water, the Cycle of Life.”
Gift cards worth $15, $20 and $25 were awarded to the winners. In addition, the first-place teachers received $50 to use in their classrooms, which could include anything from school supplies to a pizza party.
Third grade winners
First place – Cecilia Cardona of Peachtree Elementary School; second place – Aiden Chastain of Martins Creek Elementary School; third place (tie), Alexis Chastain and Levi Anderson, Martins Creek Elementary.
Aiden said he may buy a fishing pole with his loot.
“I feel great,” he said with excitement in his eyes. ”I didn’t even know I was gonna get picked. I just didn’t believe it.”
“I’m really happy cause this is the first time I’ve got third place,” Alexis said, “and I’m happy for my brother because he got second place.” She has no idea yet what she’ll spend her winnings on.
“I feel great cause I did not think I’d get third, so I’m really happy,” Levi said. He already plans on entering next year’s contest.
Fourth-grade winners
First place – Case Revis of Murphy Elementary School; second place – Tesla Gibby of Peachtree Elementary; third place, Amorella Swint of Murphy Elementary School.
Fifth-grade winners
First place – Kyah Holland of Peachtree Elementary; second place – Idalynn Lusardi-Williams of Martins Creek Elementary; third place, Aleeah McKay of Peachtree Elementary.
“I’m really happy that I at least placed,” Aleeah said. “Last year, I got second place. One of my best friends got first, and I’m happy for her.”
Kyah took first place both this year and last year with her posters.
“I love it,” she said, “I was excited.”
Sheri Goodlet is education coordinator for the Cherokee County Soil & Water Conservation District.
“I am blessed to be able to encourage our young people in Cherokee County to care enough to make a difference in our soil and water quality,” she said.
Next year’s theme will be “The Living Soil.” For details, call 828-837-6417, Ext. 3.