New York American Water Announces Winners of The 'Be Water Wise!' Art Contest

Merrick, N.Y. (June xx, 2016) – New York American Water recently presented awards to local elementary school students who finished in first, second and third place in its annual ‘Be Water Wise!’ art contest. The annual art contest allows fifth-grade students in New York American Water’s service territory to creatively express the importance of conserving water, New York’s most precious natural resource. The winners included Olivia Harris of East Lake Elementary School in Massapequa Park, NY; Tara Cooleen and Mia Frattura of Gardiners Avenue Elementary School in Levittown, NY.

“We would like to congratulate all the students who participated in this year’s art contest for their outstanding entries. Each work of art not only highlighted the significance of water conservation, but also showcased the students’ artistic talent,” said Brian Bruce, President of New York American Water. “The tremendous community support we have gotten from the local school districts and the outstanding participation in this contest is encouraging as we look towards the future of water protection.”

Olivia Harris, of East Lake Elementary School, was awarded the first place honor in recognition of her artwork highlighting water conservation. In addition, Harris received a $100 American Express gift card.

Tara Cooleen, of Gardiners Avenue Elementary School, received the second place honor for her drawing of an owl – reminding all to be ‘water wise.’ Cooleen received a $50 American Express gift card.

Mia Frattura, also a student at Gardiners Avenue Elementary School, was awarded the third place honor for her artwork detailing advice to conserve water. Frattura received a $25 American Express gift card.

The remaining participants of the contest received a certificate and a ‘Be Water Wise!’ reusable water bottle. New York American Water’s annual art contest is intended to inspire students to learn more about their local water supply and the influence they have to impact it, today, and in the future.

New York American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest investor-owned water company in New York, providing high-quality and reliable water services to approximately 350,000 people. Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs 6,400 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 15 million people in 47 states and Ontario, Canada. More information can be found at www.amwater.com.

Photo 1: President of New York American Water recognizes first place winner Olivia Harris (right) from East Lake Elementary School in Massapequa Park, NY for her award-winning water-conservation poster. Harris received a $100 American Express gift card and certificate for her achievement. The annual ‘Be Water Wise!’ art contest is held to educate young students about water conservation.

Photo 2: New York American Water recently recognized fifth grade student Olivia Harris as the first place winner of its annual ‘Be Water Wise!’ art contest. From East Lake Elementary School, Olivia incorporated messages of water conservation into her poster design.

Photo 3: East Lake Elementary School fifth grade students pose with their certificates and ‘Be Water Wise!’ reusable water bottles in recognition of their participation in New York American Water’s annual art contest. The contest is held to educate young students about water conservation.

Photo 4: Third place winner Mia Frattura (left) and second place winner Tara Cooleen (right) of Gardiners Avenue Elementary School in Levittown, NY pose with their award-winning New York American Water ‘Be Water Wise!’ contest entries. President Brian Bruce visited the school to recognize the winners and present them with certificates and prizes. The annual art contest is held to educate young students about water conservation.

Photo 5: New York American Water recently recognized fifth grade student Mia Frattura as the second place winner of its annual ‘Be Water Wise!’ art contest. From Gardiners Avenue Elementary School, Mia incorporated messages of water conservation into her poster design.

Photo 6: New York American Water recently recognized fifth grade student Tara Cooleen as the third place winner of its annual ‘Be Water Wise!’ art contest. From Gardiners Avenue Elementary School, Tara incorporated messages of water conservation into her poster design.

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