Young essayists talk water, win rewards

The Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District has announced the winners of its annual High School Senior Essay Contest, highlighting local students’ perspectives on sustainability and drought management.

The contest, part of LPGCD’s Education and Outreach initiative, aims to inspire young people in Bastrop and Lee counties to engage in discussions about safeguarding groundwater resources, according to the district.

Teachers, parents and schools played a vital role in supporting this year’s participants, helping foster awareness of the region’s water challenges, organization representatives said.

“The quality of the essays we received this year was truly exceptional,” LPGCD Chair Sheril Smith said. “These students not only demonstrated an understanding of critical issues but also provided creative ideas to address them.”