St. Mary’s Middle-Schoolers Win Buena Vista Soil and Water Contest Trophies

St. Mary’s Middle School sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders gathered Feb. 26 at the Wayne and Bernice Andrews Reading and Innovation Center, where Colleen Schwanz of the Natural Resources Conservation Service presented trophies to the top writers in the Buena Vista County Soil & Water Conservation District’s annual essay contest, including eighth-grader Charlie Sibenaller who placed first among eighth graders.

The contest carried the theme “Soil: Where It All Begins,” and required students to explain in 600 words the role soil plays in food production, water filtration, and the carbon cycle. Organizers use the assignment to build conservation awareness and to link classroom work to practical soil-health issues that affect local farms, waterways and gardens across Buena Vista County.

English and science teachers at St. Mary’s coordinated the project and guided students through research and writing. Students approached the 600-word prompt from a variety of angles, with some essays focusing on the characteristics of healthy soil, others describing soil’s role in the food web, and still others outlining conservation practices that protect water and store carbon.

Trophies were presented to the top writers in each grade level. Eighth-grade placements were Charlie Sibenaller in first, Keytin Martin in second, and Fabiola Avila-Rodriguez in third. Seventh-grade winners were Amelia Gonzalez in first, Will Armstrong in second, and Grace Beck in third. Sixth-grade winners were Sarena Afeworki in first, Alisson Guardada Viscarra in second, and Peniel Akelezion in third.

Schwanz commended students for their thoughtful work and emphasized the importance of understanding how soil health connects to everyday life in Iowa. The Buena Vista County Soil & Water Conservation District runs the annual essay contest as part of its outreach to young people in county schools, aiming to translate lessons on soil and conservation into local stewardship and informed community conversations.

The recognition event at the Wayne and Bernice Andrews Reading and Innovation Center highlighted student engagement with environmental topics tied directly to Buena Vista County’s agricultural landscape and water resources. Parents, teachers and local conservation partners who want further details about the district’s educational programs may contact the Buena Vista County Soil & Water Conservation District or the Natural Resources Conservation Service for follow-up information.