As the overall winner of the Fast-Flowing Water Contest, Gabriella Luoma understands the message: Where waters flow, Do Not Go! Danger.
The Grade 5 student at Ecole St-Dominique said she hopes having her poster on a giant billboard helps others realize the dangers associated with fast-flowing water.
“I wanted to make the message fun, and make it colourful so other kids wouldn’t find it boring,” Luoma said. “I don’t want anyone to be in danger, and I want to promote the message that it’s a big issue, and we don’t want this to happen again.”
Luoma was among six finalists in the 10th annual contest. As the overall winner, she gets her drawing put on a billboard that will be displayed in Greater Sudbury.
In 2007, Adam Dickie, 13, drowned in Junction Creek. He was the 22nd recorded victim of drowning in that particular creek. After his death, the Junction Creek Safety Committee was formed to review conditions around fast-flowing water and make recommendations to reduce the possible recurrence of that death.
Research revealed that education was the most effective tool in establishing a “psychological fence” to alert children and their parents to the dangers of these water bodies.
Out of that, the Fast-Flowing Water Contest was organized, as was an elementary curriculum package that includes lessons for junior kindergarten to Grade 8.
Dickie’s grandfather, Ray Croteau, has been part of the education process every step of the way. He said after 10 years, he’s still amazed by the level of participation in the contest.
“I’m overwhelmed this year,” he said. “The message is getting out there that where fast waters flow, do not go, and it’s good to know that message is sinking in.”
St. Charles Catholic Elementary School Grade 6 student Adorabella Demeter won the video script contest.
One student from each grade was selected as a winner, each receiving a $300 gift card.
They are Connor Bouley-Sombrutski, Grade 4, Algonquin Public School; Mya Levina Delorey, Grade 6, St. Anne Catholic Elementary School; Blake Rushton, Grade 7, St. Anne Catholic Elementary School; Jordan Witty, Grade 8, St. Anne Catholic Elementary School.
