MORE INFORMATION > Go back to Contest main page > FAQS for students > FAQs for teachers > Rules and details > MWRA DRINKING WATER MAIN PAGE > School Program main page IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT ELIGIBILITY Contests limited to schools located within the MWRA service area. > Eligible communities FORMS AND LABELS > Registration Forms (.doc) | (.pdf) > Student Labels for Contest Entries (.doc) | (.pdf) FOR STUDENTS Need inspiration? Check out our poster and writing contest winners for 2006-2007 > Poster winners > Writing winners CONTACT INFO > MWRA Staff Contacts

2007/2008 CONTEST
GENERAL QUESTIONS
•	What are the prizes?
•	What information needs to be included with my poster and/or writing entry?
•	Where can I get a student label?
•	May I enter both the poster and writing contests?
POSTER CONTEST QUESTIONS
•	What size should my poster be?
•	What makes a good poster?
•	What are this year's poster topics?
•	Can friends work on posters together?
•	Do posters have to be drawings?
•	How will my poster be judged?
WRITING CONTEST QUESTIONS
•	What makes a good writing entry?
•	What are this year’s writing contest topics?
•	Where can I get background information about Bay State Fertilizer?
•	Do I have to write my entry on a computer?
•	How will my writing entry be judged?

What are the prizes?

The first place winner in each category receives a $100 gift check. Second prize is a $50 check and third prize is a $25 check. Honorable Mention Awards will recognize other outstanding
entries and each student who participates receives a certificate. Everyone who enters the contest will receive a Certificate of Participation – suitable for framing!

Prizes will be awarded at a ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2008 at the
Deer Island Treatment Plant. Contest winners, their families,
teachers and principals are all invited to attend the ceremony.

What information needs to be included with my poster and/or writing entry?

All poster and writing contest entries must have a completed Student Label attached to the back of the entry.  The labels should be taped or glued securely to the back of the entry.  Sometimes labels that are paper clipped or stapled fall off.  If there is no Student Label on the entry, you cannot win!

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Where can I get a student label?

Ask your teacher for one or download it from one of these links:

> student labels (.doc)
> student labels (.pdf)

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May I enter both the poster and writing contests?

If you are in grades 3-8, you may enter both contests.

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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.

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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.

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What are this year’s poster contest topics?

• All grades: Create a poster to convince others about the benefits of tap water.

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Can friends work on posters together?

No, only individual work will be accepted. 

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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.

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How will my poster be judged?

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.

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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 are this year’s writing contest topic?

• All grades: Create a public relations campaign to promote the benefits of tap water.

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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.

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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.

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