The Alexander Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) held all six of our yearly environmental education contests for the 2022/2023 school year. The school winners from each category were honored at our Soil & Water Awards Banquet held on April 18th at the Emerald Hill in Hiddenite.
All of the education contests shared the theme “Water–the Cycle of Life.” Each school level winner in all competitions received $20 and a first place ribbon. County level winners received $30 and a plaque, while runner ups received $15 and a ribbon. Third place county winners received a ribbon.
The winner of the Fifth Grade Poster Contest was Kallie Chapman from Wittenburg Elementary. The runner-up was Leah Anderson from Ellendale Elementary, and in third place was Jack Bowman from Bethlehem Elementary. Kallie Chapman’s poster went on to receive second place at the Area Level. In addition to those above, other school level winners were: Nayeli Galarza De Leon from Hiddenite Elementary, Makyla Frazier from Millersville Christian Academy, Sage Lackey from Stony Point Elementary, Ella Davidson from Sugar Loaf Elementary, Hadasa Morales from Taylorsville Elementary, and Trinity Bennett from the Virtual Academy.
In the Sixth Grade Essay Contest, the County winner was Riley Hull from East Alexander Middle School. The runner-up was Caleb Brown from Millersville Christian. Riley Hull’s essay went on to receive Honorable Mention at the Area level.
This year’s Sixth Grade Slide Show Contest winner was Tucker Robertson of Millersville Christian, and the runner-up was Riley Josiah Wachob from EAMS. Tucker’s slide show went on to receive 1st place at the Area level.
The Seventh and Eighth Grade Speech Contests were held on February 7th at the Alexander Services Center. This year’s Seventh Grade Speech Contest winner was Samuel James from Millersville Christian Academy. The runner up was Ayden Kerley also from Millersville Christian. Third place was Xavier Price from EAMS. Samuel James went on to compete at the Area level in Morganton on March 16th and took second place.
This year’s Eighth Grade Speech Contest winner was Kendall Latchford from West Alexander Middle School. The runner up was Raegan Sharpe from WAMS. Third Place was Ava Head, also of WAMS. Kendall Latchford’s speech was second place at the Area level.
Alexander SWCD also held a Ninth—Twelfth Grade Slide Show Contest. This year’s county winner was Micah Chapman from Alexander Central High School. The runner-up was Jacie Sweet from Alexander Early College. Micah Chapman’s slide show took 1st place at the Area level and received Honorable Mention at the State Level Competition.
The Alexander SWCD Board of Supervisors and Staff would like to again congratulate all of the 2023 Conservation Contest participants and winners on a job well done! We would also like to thank all of our sponsors that donated door prizes and funds to make our Soil & Water Awards Banquet possible. The Alexander SWCD Board of Supervisors consists of Chairman Myles Payne, Vice-Chairman Eugene White, Secretary/Treasurer Colby Herman, and members Kathy Bunton and Bryant Chapman. Please contact Pamela Bowman, Alexander SWCD Education Coordinator, at 828-632-0638, for more information on yearly contests or other education programs.
Fifth grade poster winner – Kallie Chapman, Wittenburg Elementary
Sixth grade essay winner – Riley Hull, EAMS
Sixth grade slide show winner – Tucker Robertson, Millersville Christian
Seventh grade speech winner – Samuel James, Millersville Christian
Eighth grade speech winner – Kendall Latchford, WAMS
Ninth—Twelfth grade slide show winner – Micah Chapman, ACHS
