Educational Contests

Did you know we sponsor contests? We participate in the NC Soil & Water Educational Contests, including Poster, Speech, Slideshow, and Essay contests on a particular theme each year. These contests give students an opportunity to explore soil and water conservation through art, writing, and public speaking. Educational Contests focus on a soil or water theme each year and align with NC Essential Standards. These contests are a great way to reinforce concepts learned with a homework option or extra credit. Students can compete locally through the school and county competitions. First place county winners will advance to the Soil & Water Area 1 competition. Top winners from all eight Soil & Water areas compete at the state level for cash prizes. Henderson County is proud to have the 2023 8th Grade State Essay Winner, 2023 Second Place State High School Slideshow Winner, 2024 Second Place State 7th Grade Essay, 2024 Second Place State 8th Grade Essay, and First Place State 7th Grade Slideshow Winners!!!

Contest Themes

2024-2025  "Wetlands are Wonderful"

2025-2026  "We All Live in a Watershed"

2026-2027  "Soil & Water . . . Yours for Life"

Poster Contest: Grades 3, 4, 5, & 6--Students create an artistic representation of the theme on posterboard

Essay Contest: Grades 6, 7 , 8, & 9–12--Students write a 300–500 word essay on the contest theme

Speech Contest: Grades 6, 7, 8, & 9–12--Students deliver a 4–6 minute speech on the contest theme presented to a panel of judges

Computer Generated Slideshow: Grades 6, 7, 8, & 9-12--Students create a 15-slide slideshow on the contest theme

Please contact us for more information and to get your school/homeschool involved!