Storm Lake St. Mary’s sixth, seventh, and eighth graders were recognized last week for their work in the Buena Vista County Soil & Water Conservation District’s annual essay contest.
This year’s theme, “Soil: Where It All Begins,” asked students to explain in 600 words the role soil plays in food production, water filtration, and the carbon cycle.
English and science teachers coordinated the project, and students approached the topic from a variety of angles—some focusing on the characteristics of healthy soil, others on soil’s place in the food web or the importance of conservation practices.
Students gathered Feb. 26 in the Wayne and Bernice Andrews Reading and Innovation Center at St. Mary’s, where Colleen Schwanz of the Natural Resources Conservation Service congratulated participants and presented trophies to the top writers in each grade level.
Eighth‑grade winners: Charlie Sibenaller (first), Keytin Martin (second), and Fabiola Avila‑Rodriguez (third).
Seventh‑grade winners: Amelia Gonzalez (first), Will Armstrong (second), and Grace Beck (third).
Sixth‑grade winners: Sarena Afeworki (first), Alisson Guardada Viscarra (second), and Peniel Akelezion (third).
Schwanz commended students for their thoughtful work and emphasized the importance of understanding how soil health connects to everyday life in Iowa.
