December 2014

CIty offers contest for environment

Saint Augustine University students, do you enjoy making videos with friends? If so, why not do it for a good cause?

The Raleigh Public Utilities Services is having a 2015 Environmental Awards Program. Students who decide to enter must create a 30-second PSA in MPEG 4 format illustrating one of the themes: Fix-A-Leak/ Running Toilets, Value of Water, and Fat Free Sewers. The purpose of this event is to help residents in the City of Raleigh understand the value of water, and how important it is. From now up until Feb. 13, 2015, students can enter into this event. There will be a ceremony on April 22, 2015, at the NC Museum of Natural Science, for the winners, and contestants who participated.

“The Public Utilities Department Sponsors this event to honor people who demonstrate a commitment to the environment,” said Michele Burton, communications specialist for the Raleigh Public Utilities Department. “There’s no reason why students would not want to participate in this event. You will have an opportunity to be heard, and be rewarded for it.”

The award that the students would receive is the “Donna Jackson Trail Blazer Award.” This award is a especially aimed at woman who may want to become a part of the utility industry, explained Carolyn Dumas, communications administrator for the Raleigh Public Utilities Department.

“She has made a significant input in the triangle area civil engineering community, and as a role model for the next generation of engineering leaders,” Dumas said. “We want students to consider a career in the area in the utility industry,”

Those interested in entering the official contest can find more information on the city’s web site.

First prize winners get $1,500, second prize is $750, and third prize is $500. And if St. Augustine’s students need more motivation, last year Shaw University students took first, second and third place.

— Alexandria McLendon