The cause of conservation was celebrated at a recent event honoring winners of the 2008 poster and essay contests sponsored by the Moore Soil and Water Conservation District.

Fifteen winners from two public schools were presented Olympic-style medallions and certificates along with a big Hershey candy bar and a Wal-Mart gift card during the reception held at the Moore County Agriculture Center.

"We're all winners," said Nowell Brown, chairman of the Moore Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors.

Brown said the entire community wins because the young winners represent protection of the environment for future generations.

The winners were selected from 308 entries in the poster contests and 39 entries in the essay contest.

"Water is our treasure" and "Rain, rain, don't go away" were among the themes illustrated in the array of posters displayed around the auditorium. The theme, "We All Live in a Watershed," reflects concern about environmental issues relating to drought conditions of the past two years.

Cassidy Fry, first-place winner of the 6th grade essay contest, read her essay to the gathering. She is a student at New Century School.

Other essay winners were Tristan Mathewson, second place, and Peter Whitehouse, third place, both New Century students.

Third-grade poster contest winners were: first place, Luke Floyd, Sandhills Farm Life School; second, Cooper Wrona, Sandhills Farm Life; third, Julianne Hall, Sandhills Farm Life.

Fourth-grade poster contest winners were: first place, Kailee Southworth, Sandhills Farm Life; second, Alizabeth Bowlus, Sandhills Farm Life; third, Olivia Brock, Sandhills Farm Life.

Fifth-grade poster contest winners were: first place, Sara Dahlin, Sandhills Farm Life; second, Dylan Dinkins, Sandhills Farm Life; third, Justin Hall, Sandhills Farm Life.

Sixth-grade poster contest winners were: first place, Annie Taylor, New Century; second, Shannen Burns, New Century; third, Celine Bullock, New Century.

Judging the contests were Harold Brady, Cindy Brady, Grace Beane, Nowell Brown, Kim Hyre, and Tischa Bailey.

Nowell Brown and board treasurer Larry Holder made the presentations.

Jeanette Fuller, administration/education coordinator, and Penny Priest, the latest addition to the administration/education staff in the district office, made arrangements for the awards program.

Jonathan Russell is natural resource specialist administrator, and Jerry Hall, natural resource specialist, and Kevin Williams, district conservationist, complete the staff..

Billy Maness and Albert Troutman are the other board members. The winning poster and essay will be retained for the area competition.

Contact Florence Gilkeson at 947-4962 or by e-mail at florence@thepilot.com.