Local students once again showcased ways to protect drinking water sources by producing engaging radio advertisements through the Gary Fox Drinking Water Protection Contest, formerly known as the Drinking Water Protection Radio Contest.
Quinte Source Water challenged students in Grades 4 through 9 to work in groups to create 30-second radio advertisements promoting ways to protect local drinking water sources. More than 30 student-produced entries were submitted, each highlighting methods of environmental stewardship aimed at protecting drinking water.
Students competed for a special class prize, which included a virtual tour of Belleville’s Gerry O’Connor Water Treatment Plant hosted by Supervisor Kevin Cardinal and Water Treatment Operator Joanne Biggs, and a pizza lunch generously provided by Westside Pizza.
Winners Anna and Graycen from Ms. Marriott’s Grade 4/5 class at Susanna Moodie Public School visited Loyalist College’s 91X radio station to professionally record their ad for production and broadcast, which can be heard on air until August.
“All of the submissions this year were fantastic. It’s inspiring to hear students so engaged in learning about and sharing how we can protect the Quinte region’s source water,” said Claire Vandervoort, Source Water Protection Technical Assistant at Quinte Conservation.
“Anna and Graycen highlighted practical actions we can all take to ensure our drinking water sources remain clean, safe, and reliable.”
In addition, Anna and Graycen’s class won a prize pack featuring a Water Rangers Education Test Kit donated by Let’s Talk Science, as well as a FoodCycler Eco3 unit provided by the City of Belleville’s Environmental Services.
To hear Anna and Graycen’s winning ad and learn more about the Gary Fox Drinking Water Protection Contest, visit quintesourcewater.ca/swp-radio-contest.
The contest was renamed in memory of the late Gary Fox, a former Agricultural Representative and founding member of the Quinte Source Protection Committee, who dedicated more than 20 years to advocating for the protection of local drinking water sources.
Through the renaming of this contest, the Committee hopes to honour and preserve Gary’s legacy.
Photo: Submitted
