The 2023-2024 Contest Theme: The Living Soil

Overview

The NC Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts administers several educational contests each year to encourage students to learn about natural resources and conservation in their community. The contests have a different theme each year, and participants create products around that theme. Conservation Contests are a great way for students to learn about soil and water resources, and to cultivate important skills such as creativity, organization, and public speaking. Students can participate in the contests as a school project or an independent at-home activity. Student work is submitted to the local Soil and Water Conservation District to be judged (see more information below). Winners from each county advance to Area competitions. If they win at the Area competition, they advance to the State competition. 

Contests available in Haywood County:

• 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade: Poster
• 6th, 7th and 8th Grade: Essay, Computer-Generated Slideshow, Public Speaking
• 9th-12th Grade: Essay, Computer-Generated Slideshow, Public Speaking

How are the contests judged?

Each contest has different rules and judging criteria, but all student work will be judged on its’ conservation message and originality (no plagiarism). We strongly encourage students to review the rules for the contest(s) they are participating in using this handbook. The handbook includes tips, scoresheets and instructions for product submission.

7th and 8th grade students wishing to participate in the Speech Contest will need to notify the District of their intent to participate by February 16, 2024. The Speech Contest will take place in-person at the District’s annual Awards Night where participants will deliver their speech to a panel of judges.

Instructions for Submissions

All student submissions are due by February 16, 2024.

• 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade Posters: Posters can be dropped off at the USDA Service Center at 589 Raccoon Road, Waynesville, NC 28786 any time on or before February 16, 2024. Participants can also notify the District that they would like their poster picked up at their school. On the back of the poster, participants should include the following information:
  • Student’s name
  • Student’s grade
  • Student’s mailing address
  • Parent/Guardian’s email and phone number:
  • Teacher’s name
  • School
• 6th-12th Grade Essays: Essays can be dropped off at the USDA Service Center at 589 Raccoon Road, Waynesville, NC 28786 any time before or on February 16, 2024. Participants can also notify District staff that they would like their essay picked up at their school. Essays can also be emailed directly to the District. On the back of the essay, participants should include the following information:
  • Student’s name
  • Student’s grade
  • Student’s mailing address
  • Parent/Guardian’s email and phone number:
  • Teacher’s name
  • School
• 6th-12th Grade Slideshows: Slideshows should be emailed to the District. At the end of the slideshow, students should insert 1 blank side followed by a slide with the following information listed on it.
  • Student’s name
  • Student’s grade
  • Student’s mailing address
  • Parent/Guardian’s email and phone number:
  • Teacher’s name
  • School
  • County
  • District
• 6th-12th Public Speaking: Students wishing to participate in the Speech Contest will need submit their intent to participate by emailing the District by February 16, 2024. Speeches will be presented to a panel of judges at Awards Night. The speeches will be judged using the scoring rubric found in the contest handbook. Participants should include the following information in their email to express intent to participate: 
  • Student’s name
  • Student’s grade
  • Student’s mailing address
  • Parent/Guardian’s email and phone number:
  • Teacher’s name
  • School