2018 Art and Poetry Award Ceremony
More than 1,300 students (grades 2–12) from 75 schools in New York City, Watershed communities and homeschools were honored at our 32nd Annual Water Resources Art and Poetry Contest. In total, these students created more than 1,200 original pieces of artwork and poetry that reflect an appreciation for New York’s water resources,the drinking water supply, harbor water, wastewater treatment, and the importance of water conservation. The entries also raised awareness about the importance ofmaintaining New York City’s critical water supply and wastewater infrastructure.
At the event, students were honored for their outstanding work and received certificates recognizing their contribution. Additionally, a group of judges selected more than 60 entries as this year’s Water Champions.
The 2018 contest focused on five central themes that incorporate STEM education and the humanities:
- Water, A Precious Resource: To recognize the importance of a clean and plentiful supply of water.
- New York City Water Supply System: To explore the history of the New York City Water Supply System and its present- day source, operation, delivery, protection, maintenance, and stewardship.
- New York City Wastewater Treatment System: To examine the purpose of, and process
for, cleaning used water in New York City and in the East and West of Hudson Watersheds. - Harbor Water Quality & Healthy Marine Ecosystems: To discover the richness of our marine life and opportunities for recreation and commerce on local waterbodies; and to understand the work that is being done to monitor and ensure healthy water quality.
- Water Stewardship and Climate Change: What Can We Do To Help? Toconsider our influence on theenvironment and how we can address and help to resolve environmental issues that impact our neighborhoods, our city, and beyond.
For more than three decades, our annual Art and Poetry contest has given young New Yorkers a wonderful opportunity to use their artistic abilities to learn about and express the importance of protecting our environment and water resources. Nearly half the State of New York relies on the City’s water supply system so this is a terrific way for students in both New York City and beyond to celebrate our shared natural resources. To view the artwork of the winners, please visit our Flickr page. For more information about our environmental education programs, visit nyc.gov/dep/education.
