Today on the James: Poster Contest Winners

1st Place Winner
Heather Gay
Robious Middle School
6th Grade

JRA conducted a poster contest, "What a Healthy River Means to Me" for public middle school science students in the City of Richmond, City of Lynchburg, City of Williamsburg/James City and in the counties of Henrico and Chesterfield that lie within 5 miles of the James River. The poster contest was designed for students to apply what they have learned about a healthy river ecosystem. They illustrated the impact of clean water on their community; on the way in which people use the river; the benefits to wildlife; and the student’s life.

The top three winners were chosen from more than 100 entries. A $100 first place prize was awarded to Heather Gay of Robious Middle School in Midlothian, whose teacher, Kimberly Giska, will also receive $100 for purchasing classroom supplies. A $75 second place prize was given to Rebekah Chun of Sandusky Middle School in Lynchburg, whose teacher, Erin Davis, will also receive $75 for classroom supplies; and a $50 third place prize went to Emily Adams, also of Sandusky Middle School in Lynchburg, whose teacher, Ms. Davis, will receive $50 for classroom supplies.

2nd Place Winner
Rebekah Chun
Sandusky Middle School
8th Grade

“The range of entries was remarkable and that made choosing the winners especially difficult,” said Sherrie Tribble, JRA’s Special Events & Projects Manager. “It was clear to our staff that the students had a good understanding of river ecology and many of them included examples of local wildlife in their work. This competition was meant to give youngsters an opportunity to express what is important to them. Enjoying the river’s natural beauty, keeping the river litter-free, and having a good time on the water were the primary themes.”

3rd Place Winner
Emily Adams
Sandusky Middle School
8th Grade

JRA will be featuring the winning art work at the new James River Ecology School that is being established at Presquile National Wildlife Refuge. This contest was made possible through a generous grant given by Technical Foundations, Inc., a Richmond-based contractor, and a long-standing member of the James River Association.

Entrants that made the top ten: