2026 Conservation Awards Program | Poster & Essay Contest Fayette Soil & Water Conservation District would like to invite your school to participate in the 2026 Conservation Awards Program Essay & Poster Contest!

 

The theme for 2026 is “Soil. Where It All Begins.” I have attached an information sheet with a few more details on this theme.

 

POSTER CONTEST

• Division 1: Kindergarten - 2nd Grade
• Division 2: 3rd Grade - 6th Grade

Entry must meet the following specifications:

• Must include title of “Soil. Where It All Begins” and fit that theme
• Poster size should be 22” x 14”, which is a standard poster board, cut to half size (PLEASE note the size of the poster board. Some retailers sell poster boards that are smaller and  these were deemed ineligible last year because they did not meet the size requirements.)
• The entire poster must be drawn by hand and does not readily smear, crack or chip
• The poster entry artwork should be flat
• The use of stickers or gluing other material/objects to the poster are NOT allowed
• Cover sheet located in this packet should be fixed to the back of each entry

ESSAY CONTEST

• Junior Division: Age 13 and Under (maximum of 300 words)
• Senior Division: Age 14 to 18 (maximum of 500 words)

Entry must meet the following specifications:

• Entry is typed, subject matter of the essay follows the topic and meets the maximum allotment of words (stated above) and includes the title of “Soil. Where It All Begins.”
• Cover sheet located in this packet should be stapled to the front of each essay entry 

 

GENERAL RULES AND INFORMATION:

1. Entries are due on January 20, 2026 by  9:00 am. I will pick them up from your campus office.  
2. Please submit your entries (poster and essay) by class/section/period. Entries will be placed 1st (blue), 2nd (red) and 3rd (white) in each class/section/period, as deemed appropriate.
3. The overall two winners in each poster and essay division (out of the entire county) will be selected from among the 1st place/blue ribbon winners. These winners will advance to area competition.
4. These top two individuals in each division will be recognized at the annual banquet which will be held in La Grange in February 2026. Winners and their teachers will be sent an invitation to the event. They will also receive a trophy and a monetary prize. Essay contest winners will be expected to read their work during the banquet.
   
   
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   My name is Carissa Karisch and I am the District Clerk for the Fayette Soil & Water Conservation District.
   Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions you may have!
   We look forward to your continued participation in our awards contest!
   
   Contact Information:
   Carissa Karisch
   Fayette SWCD District Clerk
   979-968-5458 (office; leave a message)
   979-966-3276 (cell; call or text) fayette@swcd.texas.gov