GRANTS PASS – The City of Grants Pass Public Works Department is sponsoring its second annual “Imagine A Day Without Water” Essay Contest for local students. All Grants Pass middle school and high school students, including private school, charter school, and home-schooled students are eligible to enter the contest.
The City of Grants Pass Public Works Water Department has been supplying quality drinking water to city residents since 1931. In collaboration with partners across the country, the city will participate in the seventh annual Imagine A Day Without Water national education campaign to highlight how water is essential, invaluable, and in need of investment.
This year, the day of action will take place Oct. 21, and will include events, proclamations, student contests, social media engagement, and more, across the country.
“Our students’ ability to assess and understand the importance of and value of water will help ensure that our water resources and infrastructure remain in the forefront of our civic discourse, helping to raise awareness about life’s most essential resource,” said Public Works Director Jason Canady.
Students are asked to compose an essay of 500-650 words responding to the following question: “What would a day without water be like in Grants Pass?” Submission deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 1. Winning selections will be announced Oct. 21.
Prizes will be awarded in both middle school and high school categories. First place winners will receive $100 gift cards. Second place winners will receive $50 gift cards, and third place winners will receive $25 gift cards. All participants will receive a certificate of participation.
Entries will be judged by a panel of city staff members on the following criteria: position statement, supporting information, organization and structure, tone, authenticity of voice, grammar, and punctuation.
Contest rules and requirements conform with established Common Core State Standards for literacy, grades 6-12, including the standards for writing with a purpose and for an authentic audience.
“Imagine a Day Without Water is a day to pause and notice the way that water systems impact our lives and communities, while we commit to ensuring a sustainable water future for generations to come,” said Canady.