Columbia, SC—Thirty-six student entries have earned recognition and cash prizes in the 2014 Richland County Arbor Day Youth Contests sponsored by the Richland Soil and Water Conservation District (RSWCD).  This year’s contest theme was “If Trees Could Talk,” and students were challenged to develop messages from trees’ perspectives using a variety of media.  Responses ranged from colorful posters urging readers to “Cut Me Down and Plant More” (Amariyé Jordan, 5^th Grade, Burnside Elementary School) to a vocal performance called “Let Me Grow” (John Hicks, 5^th Grade, Center for Knowledge), a parody of the popular hit song “Let it Go” from Disney’s Frozen.  The contests were open to all Richland County students in grades K-12. 

In recognition of their exceptional efforts to engage students in Arbor Day activities, three participating schools have been selected to receive this year’s School Spirit Awards:  Arden Elementary, Annie Burnside Elementary, and the Center for Knowledge.  Teachers George Sims, Kari Ochoa, and Ashley Saunders were tireless advocates for Arbor Day education at these schools. 

Click here for a complete list of winners. 

Arbor Day is a holiday set aside to plant, care for, and celebrate trees.  The first Arbor Day was celebrated in Nebraska in 1872.  While several states observe Arbor Day in spring, South Carolina celebrates Arbor Day on the first Friday in December because winter is the best time for planting trees in our climate.  The RSWCD will celebrate Arbor Day at two local schools on Friday, December 5^th. 

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Conservation Districts are political subdivisions of state government under the local direction of five-member Boards of Commissioners. In South Carolina, Conservation District boundaries conform to County boundaries.  The Richland Soil and Water Conservation District promotes the wise planning and use of natural resources for the benefit of the citizens of Richland County.