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Poster & Writing Contest: FAQs for Students
Massachusetts Water Resources Authority
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This page contains information that students might find helpful when preparing their posters and essays. Good luck!
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Entries must be postmarked byWednesday, March 14, 2012. Early entries are encouraged.
What are the prizes?
First prize in each category is a $100.00 gift check, 2nd prize is a $50.00 check, and 3rd prize is a $25.00 check. In the poster contest there are (3) categories K-2, 3-5, and 6-8. In the writing contest the (3) categories are 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. In each of the (6) categories there is a 1st, 2nd, 3rd and (3) honorable mention winners. All winners, including honorable mention winners, are invited with their families to an Awards Ceremony at Deer Island in May, 2012.
What information needs to be included with my entry?
All posters and writing entries must have a completed Student Label attached to the back of the entry. Labels should be taped or glued to the back of the entry (not paper clipped or stapled). If the label falls off, you can’t win.
Where can I get a student label?
Ask your teacher for one or download it from one of these links:
Student labels (.doc) | (.pdf)
May I enter the contest on my own or does it have to be through the school?
You may enter on your own if you live in or attend a school located in the MWRA service area. You must include the student label on the back of your entry.
May I enter both the poster and writing contests?
If you are in grades 3-8, you may enter both contests.
How will I be notified if I win?
Your teacher will receive an e-mail to let him or her know if there are any winners in the class.
What size should the poster be?
Your poster must be no smaller than 8.5 X 11 inches and no larger than 18 X 24 inches.
What makes a good poster?
Make sure your poster is on topic. Don't try to include too many ideas or activities on your poster. A single message, clearly illustrated, is more effective. If you use lettering, make sure it can be read from across a room.
What is this year’s poster contest topic?
For the poster contest, students are being asked to create a poster showing what happens at the Deer Island Treatment Plant. Posters will be judged in 3 categories: grades K-2, 3-5, and 6-8.
Can friends work on posters together?
No, only individual work will be accepted.
Do posters have to be drawings?
No, posters can be any form of art you choose to express the topic. You can create a collage with pictures cut out of a magazine, you can use pieces of fabric or you can create a drawing using markers, crayons, paints, or charcoal. We are looking for unique and creative works of art.
Posters must be no smaller than 8.5 X 11 inches and no bigger than 18 X 24 inches. Be sure to attach a student label to the back of your poster.MWRA staff will select the strongest posters from the entries in each category. Then a panel of judges will score the posters on originality, clarity of message, creative and artistic use of materials, and quality of work.
What makes a good writing entry?
First, be sure your entry addresses the question. As good as a piece might be, if it isn't on topic, it can't win a prize. Then, use your creativity to make your entry stand out. The reader should remember your work because there was something unique about it. An essay can be just as creative as a poem or dialogue, if it has a clear theme and develops it cleverly.
What is this year’s writing contest topic?
For the writing contest, students are being asked to write about the reduction in average water use throught the MWRA service area. Entries will be judged in three grade level categories: 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12, and the topic is different for each category.
Grades 3-5: Write an essay or poem explaining how one person’s efforts can have an impact on the reduction of water use.
Grades 6-8:Write an essay or poem explaining how people must work together to reduce water usage throughout the service area.
Grade 9-12: Write an essay or poem explaining what you think has had the greatest impact on the reduction of water usage over the years.
Do I have to write my entry on a computer?
Writing entries may be written neatly in ink and can be no longer than two pages. Please use only one side of the paper and be sure to attach a Student Label securely to the back of your entry. Audio and video entries will not be accepted.
How will my writing entry be judged?
MWRA staff will select the best entries in each category. Copies will be given to a judging panel, who will first read and rate them and then meet to decide the winners. Writing entries will be judged on factual accuracy, creativity, originality and persuasiveness.
Only schools located in the MWRA Service Area listed below are eligible to participate in the Annual Poster & Writing Contest
Water |
Sewer |
Water & Sewer |
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Chicopee |
Ashland |
Arlington |
Norwood Quincy Reading Revere Somerville Stoneham Stoughton Wakefield Waltham Watertown Wellesley Westwood Wilmington Winchester Winthrop Woburn |
| Schools located on Cape Cod and within the Quabbin and Wachusett Watershed are also eligible to participate. | |||
Meg Tabacsko – 617-660-7975
Meg.Tabacsko@mwra.state.ma.us
Updated February 17, 2012