Two Florida elementary schools will have some extra money to teach their students about the importance of water after a fourth-grader at each school was selected for recognition as winners of a statewide art contest sponsored by Zephyrhills Brand 100% Natural Spring Water, in partnership with WaterVentures Mobile Learning Lab. Students at Campbell Drive Elementary in Homestead and Hubert O. Sibley K-8 Academy in North Miami submitted the winning designs and were recognized for their work at recognition ceremonies this past Thursday, October 24.
“The WaterVentures Mobile Learning Lab is an educational and entertaining way to get students excited about discovering and protecting Florida’s unique water systems,” said Karen Pate, vice president of the Crystal Springs Foundation, which created the learning lab. “This contest provided an opportunity for students to translate what they learned at the lab into practical lessons that can be applied in their day-to-day lives, and we are delighted that these children and their schools can benefit from the experience.”
Grand prize winner Stephanie M. from Campbell Drive Elementary School was presented with a $500 individual check and a $5,000 donation to the school, and Sibley K-8 Academy student Alexander M. won a $300 individual prize and a $3,000 donation to his school.
Recognition ceremonies were held with the student winners and their peers, school administrators, Miami-Dade School District administrators and School Board members, Victor Tizon, a representative from Zephyrhills Brand 100% Natural Spring Water, WaterVentures and the Crystal Springs Foundation. Immediately following the ceremonies, students were able to tour the WaterVentures mobile learning lab.
“The joy I witnessed today on the faces of the student winners, their peers and the school officials really made me proud to work for Nestle Waters North America,” said Victor Tizon, Zephyrhills Brand 100% Natural Spring Water representative. “I know that our corporation gives back to local communities across the country, but to see the difference NWNA is making right here in my community, my backyard, is just so rewarding.”
This contest was especially significant for Campbell Drive and Sibley students; many of the students at these schools qualify for free or reduced lunch and it is unlikely that they would have the opportunity to travel to North Florida springs or high-quality natural science museums to learn about one of Florida’s most precious natural resources.