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LEWISTOWN -- The battleground was paper, the weapons: crayons, markers, and a dose of youthful determination.
This past Earth Day, the Mifflin County Municipal Authority wrapped up its inaugural "Planet vs. Plastic" poster contest, showcasing the creativity and environmental awareness of local students.
The contest was more than a colorful competition--it was a call to action. With single-use plastic bottles posing an ever-increasing threat to waterways and oceans, the Mifflin County Municipal Authority sought to turn student awareness into long-lasting solutions.
Now, with the winners announced and prizes awarded, the ripple effects of this simple contest are becoming apparent.
"The posters reflected student awareness of plastic pollution and its impact on the environment. The students expanded upon the "fun facts" that Mifflin County Municipal Authority provided, and many ideas were illustrated with their posters. You could really see the kids were thinking of ways they could help, especially with saving ocean life," said Deanna Hassinger, business manager at Mifflin County Municipal Authority.
Student posters weren't only aesthetically pleasing; they mirrored a thoughtful understanding of plastic's harmful impact, highlighting the project's success in sparking problem-solving behavior. One key message echoed throughout the artwork: the power of replacing single-use plastics with sustainable choices, a focus embodied in the Authority's "Think Refill" campaign.
"The (Mifflin County Municipal Authority's) focus was "Think Refill" since it is a win for the planet vs. plastic and a win for the customer in the value provided by tap water," Hassinger said.
Participation was strong, with over 150 elementary and middle school students submitting their designs.
"There were over 150 elementary and middle school students who participated in the event. We hope more students will get involved and participate in future events," Hassinger said, indicating the authority's outreach efforts are bearing fruit.
Sacred Heart School students Olivia Glendye (4th and 5th grade) and Delany Morrison (2nd and 3rd grade) won in their grade groups, each receiving a Stanley reusable water bottle. At Mifflin County Middle School, Nevaeh Cherry and Kylinn Swineford received top honors, with Alex Fate and Genesis Bingaman earning honorable mentions. Hana Patel and Serenity Lorandeau also won recognition for their work.
"The teacher's efforts to help coordinate the event were appreciated," Hassinger said.
Some of the teachers who helped include Lori Mowery (Science), Amber Elsesser (Art), and Natalie Faith (Study Hall) from Mifflin County Middle School. Principal/Co-Director Deb Henry coordinated for Sacred Heart School.
The unseen forces of teachers, parents, and the greater Mifflin County community played a significant support role. Positive feedback on Mifflin County Municipal Authority's Earth Day "Think Refill" display further demonstrates community interest in environmental issues.
The beauty of a contest like "Planet vs. Plastic" lies in its potential to elevate a specific issue while building a platform for lasting change. It plants seeds of knowledge and offers practical solutions. The decision to award reusable water bottles, for instance, subtly reinforces the desired behavior shift--ditching the disposable, embracing the sustainable.
"The contest challenged kids to think about different ways they could help in the 'battle' of Planet vs. Plastic. The kids' posters focused on reusable, refillable, and recycling options in many creative ways," Hassinger said. And indeed, the contest sparked a wave of creativity extending beyond the artwork itself.
As a small, dedicated team, the Mifflin County Municipal Authority has a big goal: protecting public and environmental health by providing reliable water services. Through community events like the contest, their mission expands, connecting water management and the people they serve.
"(Mifflin County Municipal Authority) is a small group of dedicated employees working for the community every day to protect public health and the environment by providing high-quality and reliable water services. Our goal is to continue to share information and connect with the community in future events," Hassinger said.
The "Planet vs. Plastic" poster contest was a snapshot of a broader movement, showing the power of a focused message, community collaboration, and the ability to inspire action through young voices. While the fight against plastic pollution has no quick fixes, initiatives like this create momentum, paving the way for a more sustainable Mifflin County.