Essay, art-poster and song-writing contests for students with cash prizes….

Shuswap Watershed Project
Media Release
February 25, 2010

Shuswap Watershed contests announced

With the release of the poster that defines the 1.5 million hectare Shuswap region for the first time, the Shuswap Watershed Project announces three contests for students with cash prizes donated by local businesses and individuals. The prizes will be awarded on April 22 and 23 during ‘Celebrate the Shuswap Week.:

For the budding writers, there is an essay contest that poses this topic, ‘What I can do to help preserve, protect and/or restore the Shuswap watershed.: Students from throughout the entire watershed regions in three age categories; grades 3-6, 7-9, and 10-12 will be competing for $50 second prizes and $100 first prizes.

For those who excel in art, there is an art-poster contest to produce an 11 by 17 inch poster with this theme, ‘Caring for the Shuswap.: The prizes and the age-categories for the art-posters are the same as for the essay contest.

Student musicians will have a major challenge to compete for the student category of the ‘Song for the Shuswap: contest. To win the $200 first prize, that also includes a glass sculpture award and a Roots and Blues Festival pass or the $100 second prize, contestants will be writing the lyrics and music for an original song that contains the words Shuswap and water. The top entrants will perform their songs at the Salmar Classic Theatre in front of an audience and the judges on April 22nd.

As Shuswap Watershed Project leader Jim Cooperman explains ‘All of these contests will help build enthusiasm for ‘Celebrate the Shuswap: week, scheduled for April 18-24, 2010, when the watershed-wide community will be able to come together to share experiences and learn more about our wondrous region.:

During this week the art-posters will be on display and the winning essays will be read by the authors at the Shuswap Watershed Conference, scheduled for April 23rd at the Sullivan campus of the Salmon Arm Secondary School.

Shuswap Watershed Project Educational Coordinator, Kim Fulton, explains, ‘The watershed poster released today, which so successfully illustrates the uniqueness and diversity of the Shuswap, will help spark awareness and interest in schools throughout our region. Our goal is that students will use this poster as a springboard to learn more and to take action about a watershed issue they are passionate about.:

On February 19th, the educational component of the Watershed Project was jump-started by Fulton during a Leadership Conference held at the high school. Over fifty students attended from ten schools throughout the region. These students will now be working in their schools to help build interest in the contests and in the watershed.

These contests would not be possible without the support of local businesses and individuals who are sponsoring the prizes. The Shuswap Watershed Project extends its gratitude to the following prize sponsors: Wickett Business Services, Pharmasave, Salmon Arm Observer, Lakeside Printing, Bookingham Palace, the Shuswap Association of Writers, Lakeshore News, Warren Bell, Shuswap Lake Coalition, Jake Jacobson, Yuill Herbert and Cammie Harbottle.

For more information,
Contact:
Jim Cooperman, Project Leader, 679-3693
Kim Fulton, Project Educational Coordinator, 546-3644
Monica Gail Kriese, ‘Celebrate the Shuswap: Event Coordinator, 833-6100