In a wonderful display of creativity and environmental awareness, Isabella Ramirez, a fifth-grader at T.A. Lowery Elementary School (TALES), was named winner of the ninth annual Protect Our Watersheds Art Contest. Organized by West Virginia American Water, the statewide competition uses art to educate young learners about the vital importance of preserving our watershed, water conservation, and safeguarding our water sources.
Isabella's winning artwork captured the top prize with its portrayal of a young girl championing eco-friendly practices. From recycling to picking up litter, her poster illustrated the significance of individual actions in preserving our precious water resources, earning her a $50 gift card to her favorite bookstore. Her passion for environmental stewardship is reflected in the artwork, serving as a testament to the profound impact young voices can have in advocating for positive change.
Reflecting on her achievement, Isabella shared, "It means a lot to me that I won because protecting our watershed is very important, and I wanted to show people how they can help protect it."
Megan Hannah, Senior Manager of Government and External Affairs at West Virginia American Water, said the company is fairly new to the Eastern Panhandle, acquiring its first station in the region in late 2023. She expressed delight at Isabella's win, stating, "We were really excited to have a winner from here in Jefferson County since this was the first year our Eastern Panhandle students were eligible to participate in the contest."
Beyond her individual achievement, Isabella's win earned her class a pizza party with West Virginia American Water's mascot, Puddles the Duck! Her teacher, Ms. Holler, also received a $50 gift card to purchase classroom supplies in recognition of her invaluable role in nurturing young minds and fostering a culture of environmental consciousness within the classroom.
The Protect Our Watersheds Art Contest serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility we bear in safeguarding our natural resources for future generations. Congratulations, Isabella, on this well-deserved win!