Zeeland, Michigan – To help celebrate Public Power Week, the Zeeland Board of Public Works (BPW), in partnership with the Michigan Municipal Electric Association (MMEA), held a coloring contest, open to 1st through 4th graders in the Zeeland area.
Andrew Boatright, General Manager of Zeeland BPW shared, “We are blown away by the nearly 300 contest submissions. With this being our first-ever coloring contest, we really weren’t sure what to expect.” Zeeland BPW provided coloring sheets to area schools and public organizations such as the library and included downloadable files available on their website.
“We are impressed with the creativity from our Zeeland area students,” said Kate Chrisman, the Account and Finance Manager of Zeeland BPW. “We actually created an additional category ‘Most Creative’ because we couldn’t narrow it down.” The winners received the $50 gift card that was promoted in the contest description, in addition, Chrisman added a basket full of goodies for each winner. “We thought the contest would help the students celebrate with us, but we found that the celebration is mutual. These kids are so creative, and their art is such an asset to our community.”
“As a Public Power utility, we know it’s our duty to power our community…. By more than providing electricity. We are thrilled to encourage our young Zeelanders and support them in exploring their creativity,” said Boatright. “Pairing the contest with Public Power Week helps celebrate the individuals in our community who keep us powered, while also providing education to our area students.”
Winners include TJ Kuennen -Adams Elementary, (pictured), Presley Strykowski – Woodbridge Elementary, Nora Driesenga – Roosevelt Elementary, Brynn Vanee – New Groningen Elementary, Elia Valdez – Innocademy, and Jaxon Stewart – Roosevelt Elementary