Date: March 17, 2010
Pennsylvania is celebrating Severe Weather Awareness Week and Mercer County students were offerend a creative outlet to do so.
The American Red Cross of Trumbull and Mercer Counties sponsored their annual poster contest in conjunction with Sever Weather Awareness Week. Cathy Balko, coordinator of operations for the American Red Cross of Trumbull and Mercer Counties, said she was amazed at the participation.
About seven or eight schools in Mercer County submitted a total of 350 posters, Balko said. There are three brackets separated by grade levels: K-2, 3-5 and 6-8.
“It was very difficult, the judging,” Balko said. “There is so much artistic talent in the community. We were very excited and pleased with our response. We hope whatever the students learned from this, they will take home to their families.”
WYTV Evening News Anchor Stan Boney participated in last Tuesday’s judging. He agreed that both the participation and the quality of the posters were above his expectations.
“I was surprised by the number of kids who did it,” Boney said. “…Apparently some teachers made it a requirement and I think that’s a good thing.”
The Red Cross has a curriculum that they provide teachers upon request that teaches students how to react in case of severe weather. The students learn what to do in case of a tornado, flood, severe thunderstorm and lightning, Balko said.
What may be most important, Balko said, is that the students bring this knowledge home to their families. The Red Cross hopes that this program will help families prepare for those types of emergencies, she said.
“The program is designed to help you students be aware of severe weather,” Balko said.
Prizes were awarded for the three winners from each bracket. Those prizes were donations from local businesses, which Balko said makes this program possible.
Next week is Severe Weather Awareness Week in Ohio. MyValleyWeather.com meteorologist Paul Wetzl judged the Trumbull County contest, which occurred Tuesday.
See the attached slideshow for a variety of posters.
