Each year the Polk Soil & Water Conservation District sponsors a poster and essay contest for students throughout Polk County. This year the theme was “Water…The Cycle of Life.” Winning poster and essay contestants from the county are awarded cash prizes and their posters and essays are sent to the Area I contest. The teachers of the winning posters and essays are also awarded cash prizes to be used for classroom needs.

Above is Virginia Bowyer, the sixth grade poster winner from Polk County Middle School, and teacher John Ruth. Below is Erica Sullivan, the sixth grade essay winner from Polk County Middle School, and teacher John Ruth. (photos submitted)