By Sherri Simmons, President and CEO
Duffey Communications’ long-time client, the
Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority (CCMWA,) in partnership with the
Cobb County Water System, recently honored the 12 Cobb County elementary school students who were chosen as this year’s winners of the
Ninth Annual Allatoona Ally Artist Challenge.
This year, more than 725 entries were received with 27 schools participating.
The award-winning Allatoona Ally Artist Challenge has become an honored tradition among teachers and students in
Cobb County. Every year,
waterSmart, a water conservation movement developed by Duffey Communications on behalf of CCMWA, invites fourth and fifth grade students to submit their drawing of Ally — the scaly, but lovable mascot for
Lake Allatoona — conserving water in her home and community.
Not only does the contest challenge students to think creatively about water conservation – it helps educate them about one of our region’s most important sources of drinking water, Lake Allatoona. Although our young artists probably aren’t aware of the “water wars” between Georgia, Florida and Alabama – they know we need to be careful about conserving water – come rain or come shine. And through their creativity, these students are inspiring their families and friends to learn more about
water conservation.
For example, Michelle Namgoong, whose entry is featured on the cover of the
coloring book, used Ally to remind us to never use the toilet as a waste basket.
The best entries are published in a coloring book that is distributed throughout the community and available for free download at
www.watersmart.net.
This year’s winners were particularly creative, and it was fun for our team to get to know them better at the annual Allatoona Ally autograph party.
Click here to see photos from the party.
A panel of judges – including
Chris Holcomb, 11 Alive Weekend Meteorologist; Chris Purvis,
Lake Allatoona Army Corps of Engineers Park Ranger;
Walter Reeves, Host of “The Lawn and Garden Show,” and Angela Seckington,
Radio Disney Promotions Manager – carefully selected the winning illustrations.
To learn more about waterSmart – or for tips on developing a successful community relations initiative, please contact
Natasha Gingles.