Cobb Students Recognized in Artist Challenge

Patch Staff Report

The Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority (CCMWA) and Cobb County Water System congratulate the 12 Cobb County elementary school students chosen as this year’s winners of the Ninth Annual Allatoona Ally Artist Challenge.

The Artist Challenge invited local fourth and fifth grade students to draw Ally — the scaly, but lovable ambassador for Lake Allatoona — conserving water in her home and community. More than 725 entries were received with 27 schools participating.

The top drawings will be featured in a coloring book that will be distributed throughout the community and available for free download at www.watersmart.net. In addition, a party will be held to honor the artists on Wednesday, Feb. 12 at 5 p.m. at the South Cobb Regional Library. The winners will be sworn in as Junior Water Deputies, and experts will speak to students and their families about water conservation.

This year’s winners include:

· Georgina Akoto, fifth-grade, Clay Elementary

· Abigail Argo, fifth-grade, King Springs Elementary

· Joey Avena, fifth-grade, Tritt Elementary

· Ryan Bagley, fourth-grade, Frey Elementary

· Soraya Carrero, fifth-grade, Birney Elementary

· Aubrey Coleburn, fourth-grade, Addison Elementary

· Paulette DeJarnette, fifth-grade, Big Shanty Intermediate

· Nhi Diep, fifth-grade, Bryant Elementary

· Allie Kantor, fifth-grade, Timber Ridge Elementary

· Wanda Morales, fifth-grade, Green Acres Elementary

· Michelle Namgoong, fifth-grade, Mountain View Elementary     

· Shveta Shah, fifth-grade, East Side Elementary                               

Michelle Namgoong, the overall winner of this year’s contest, reminded residents to never use the toilet as a waste basket. Her drawing will be showcased on the front cover of the coloring book.

“We are continually impressed by the positive messages of water conservation shown by Cobb’s young artists,” says Becky Mixon, program director for waterSmart. “Teaching the tools of conservation at a young age can help build lifelong habits toward smart water use.”

A panel of judges – including Chris Holcomb, 11 Alive Weekend Meteorologist; Chris Purvis, Lake Allatoona Army Corps of Engineers Park Ranger; Walter Reeves, Host of “The Lawn and Garden Show,” and Angela Seckington, Radio Disney Promotions Manager – carefully selected the winning illustrations.

“We are proud of the local students who show such dedication in protecting our water supply, and look forward to sharing this coloring book with the community,” Kathy Nguyen, senior project manager at Cobb County Water System, said in the release.