Woodstock Student Wins Regional Essay Contest

WOODSTOCK, GA — A Cherokee County School District student has won the region’s annual student essay contest on protecting water resources. Woodstock Middle School seventh-grader Bryce Jones not only was named the Cherokee County winner in the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District’s annual contest, he also was named the regional winner out of more than 1,200 entries.

As the region’s winner, Bryce received a $500 prize during a ceremony held at the State Capitol in Atlanta this month. The 12 county winners each received a $100 prize.

Middle school students from across metro Atlanta wrote 300-500 word essays answering the questions: “What is stormwater pollution? What impact does it have on the health of our rivers, lakes, and streams, and what can you do to prevent it?”

Here is one quote from Bryce’s winning essay, “I Am Stormwater Pollution”: “I do not mean to cause harm, but when you throw down your trash, salt, oil, and fertilizers, I cannot help but to take it to where I flow. I cannot help what I do, but you can. You can help clean me up and cleanse me of pollution.”

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North Water District Chairman Charlotte Nash commended Bryce and the county winners for their successful efforts to raise awareness about conservation efforts and the importance of water quality preservation.

“Their essays demonstrate a solid understanding of why water quality protection is absolutely critical to our region, while offering creative tips on how to be good stewards of our water resources,” she said. “These winners represent the best-of-the-best in our region’s young environmental leaders.”

Bryce was joined at the ceremony by his family and Principal David Childress. He will be recognized by the Cherokee County School Board and Superintendent of Schools at the School Board’s Jan. 17 meeting.

PHOTOS: Bryce at the State Capitol and with Principal David Childress. The last photo includes an image of his entire essay. Credit: Cherokee County School District