Anderson Soil & Water Conservation District

CONTESTS, Awards, & SCHOLARSHIPS

Each year the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) hosts a Stewardship Week with an environmental theme. The NACD's Stewardship Week is a national initiative dedicated to promoting the conservation of natural resources. Anderson Soil and Water Conservation District participates in this annual Stewardship Week celebration by having several K-12th grade contests that focus on this theme and two scholarships for high school seniors.

This year's Stewardship Week theme is "Soil. Where it all Begins." This theme celebrates the incredible power of soil to support life in all its forms. Soil is not just the ground we walk on. It is the starting point for healthy food, clean water, thriving habitats, and resilient communities. From backyard gardens to forests and city parks, everything begins with what is beneath our feet. Soil does a lot more than grow plants. It holds water, cycles nutrients, and provides homes for billions of living organisms that help keep nature in balance. It keeps roots in place, helps prevent flooding, and supports wildlife and people alike. The trees in our neighborhoods, the food on our tables, and the natural places we love all depend on healthy soils. When we take care of soil, we are taking care of everything it supports. That is why soil is where it all begins.

K - 12 Contests

"Soil. Where it all Begins."

This theme celebrates the incredible power of soil to support life in all its forms. Soil is not just the ground we walk on. It is the starting point for healthy food, clean water, thriving habitats, and resilient communities. From backyard gardens to forests and city parks, everything begins with what is beneath our feet.

Soil does a lot more than grow plants. It holds water, cycles nutrients, and provides homes for billions of living organisms that help keep nature in balance. It keeps roots in place, helps prevent flooding, and supports wildlife and people alike. The trees in our neighborhoods, the food on our tables, and the natural places we love all depend on healthy soils. When we take care of soil, we are taking care of everything it supports. That is why soil is where it all begins.

Deadline for all contest entries is March 27, 2026.

Information packets will be mailed out to all schools in Anderson County (check with your agriculture, STEM, or science teacher for copies of each contest guidelines)

K-4th Grade

Bulletin board contest

Bulletin board projects are a class effort and should include work of all students in the class. School groups such as science clubs, environmental clubs, or other after school programs are welcome to compete. There is no restriction on the size of the bulletin board.

Deadline: March 27, 2026

5-8th Grade

essay contest

Essays are the original work of the individual student and should be 500-750 words in length. Essays may be typed or neatly handwritten on the front side of the paper only. Only legible essays will be considered. Each essay should have the provided cover letter attached to the front, students' names should not appear on the essay itself. Each teacher must select ONLY the three best essays in his/her class for judging.

Deadline: March 27, 2026

9-12th Grade

photo contest

Each participant may enter only one photo. Photos will be judged on the following criteria: effectiveness of conveying theme, composition, and originality. Photos must be the original work of the individual student, should be taken in Anderson County, and the photographer must reside in Anderson County.

Deadline: March 27, 2026

Conservation Awards

These conservation awards were created to recognize individuals who have been good stewards of the Anderson County resources or have been actively educating about the environment and conservation.

Deadline for all award entries is March 27, 2026.

Person or Organization

conservationist of the year

Conservationist of the Year Award recognizes a person or organization that has had a positive impact or has been a good steward of Anderson County’s natural resources. This may include, but is not limited to; farmers, school groups, companies, industries, and civic organizations.

Deadline: March 27, 2026

Teacher

conservation teacher of the year

Conservation Teacher of the Year Award recognizes a teacher who has been actively working to advance environmental and conservation education.

Deadline: March 27, 2026

McPhail-Major Scholarships

The McPhail-Major Scholarships were created to honor Mr. Don McPhail and Mr. Freddy Major, two previous Commissioners on the ASWCD Board. These men dedicated most of their adult lives to agricultural and conservation programs in Anderson County.

ASWCD will award a $1000 scholarship in memory of Mr. Don McPhail and a $1000 scholarship in memory of Mr. Freddy Major. We will choose two (2) Anderson County senior students to receive one award each.

For any questions relating to contests, awards, and/or scholarships, please contact our Education and Outreach Coordinator at annmarie.pauley@andersonswcd.org.