Two Storm Lake St. Mary’s students have been named countywide winners in this year’s Buena Vista County Soil and Water Conservation Poster Contest. The contest, themed “Soil: Where It All Begins,” drew participation from more than 1,000 students across the county.
Colleen Schwanz with the Buena Vista County Soil & Water Conservation District presented awards at St. Mary’s on March 30.
Sixth-grader Alisson Dayana Guardado Viscarra earned first place among all sixth‑grade entries in the county, and first-grader Davaney Gibbins received first place for her grade level. Both students will receive the contest’s top prize — an aerial tour offering a bird’s eye view of Buena Vista County’s natural habitats.
The annual contest teaches students about healthy soil, its role in the food chain and conservation practices before they create artwork reflecting those concepts. The Soil & Water Conservation District partners with schools throughout the county each year to promote conservation education and youth engagement.
