The City of Wheeling’s Water Pollution Control Division (WPCD) is seeking a new logo and is asking Ohio County youth to get creative and assist with a design that will ultimately be featured on the facility’s new signage.

Industrial Pretreatment & FOG Coordinator Mike Chiazza explained that the organization desires to change the logo to something more environmentally appealing and to do that, WPCD would like to conduct a contest where area kids, in first through eighth grades, design the new artwork. 

“The involvement of youth is an important component to getting more people in the community to become aware of pollution and environmental issues. It will give the next generation a stake in what the city does environmentally and will make them more conscious of how their individual actions impact the environment, specifically our local streams, creeks and river,” he said. “Numerous studies have shown that a kid’s involvement in environmental issues has a positive influence the attitudes of their parents and the adults in their lives regarding what can be done to protect the environment.”

The logo contest rules are as follows: 

• Must be an original design.
• Must be contained inside of a shape such as a circle, square, oval, water drop, etc. to look appealing.
• Must contain elements of Wheeling, W.Va. (such as Suspension bridge).
• Must follow an environmental theme with greens and blues.
• Must contain references to water in some fashion.
• A tagline is optional.
• Included with the artwork, the student should describe the elements of the drawing and why each element was included.

Chiazza stressed the logo does not need to be expertly drawn. The concept and substance are more important than artistic ability. 

Concurrent with the logo contest, WPCD will also be conducting an essay contest, open to youth in grades six through eight, in which students should answer the question What does water pollution mean to me and how can we as good citizens protect our local water resources? 

“The essay shall be an original creation and should be 350-500 words.  Absolutely no plagiarism will be tolerated,” he said. 

Each first-place winner will receive a $500 gift card and will be recognized by the Mayor and City Council. Judging for each contest will be conducted by WPCD personnel and celebrity judges.

Entries for both contests will be accepted until Sept. 15 and should be submitted to Chiazza via the USPS at 2516 Main St., Wheeling, W.Va. 26003 or via email at wpcd@wheelingwv.gov with Contest in the subject line. Entries should include the student’s name, grade, school and contact information.