The fifth grade students at Ector Elementary recently participated in a collaborative educational experience in an essay and poster contest sponsored by and B.E.E.S (Beautification, Education, Enforcement Strategies) of Fannin County and Texas Agrilife Extension Service. Students, along with their teachers, Jennifer Norton (writing), LeAnn Sellers (science), Vicki Bellows (art) and Betty Day (writing), created a large poster and written essays about the importance of composting in our community.
 
The students learned about composting in their science classroom and wrote essays about what they learned in their writing classrooms.  The students then went to the art classroom and together created a 3x6 foot poster showing how to build a compost pile and various ways to use compost once it is made.  Each student took part in all aspects of the contest.
 
Ector fifth grade won first place in the contest.  They will receive a pizza party lunch, $300.00 and a field trip to Jamasco, Inc. in Paris, TX sponsored by the Fannin B.E.E.S (Beautification, Education, Enforcement Strategies).

Leroy Circles, chairman of the B.E.E.S. committee, awards the prize to Ector 5th grade teachers and students. Holding the winning poster are Finn Blevins, City of Bonham Environmental Officer (left) and David Trout, Texoma Council of Governments Environmental Coordinator.

Other schools competing in the poster and essay contest included Savoy Elementary 5th graders who received second place and a $200 cash prize and Dodd City Elementary fifth graders who placed 3rd and received a $100 cash prize.

Ector fifth grade class, teachers, and BEES Committee members

The purpose of the Fannin Beautification, Education, and Enforcement Strategies Committee is to promote the beautification of Fannin County through the facilitation, education, and promotion of environmental stewardship of the citizens of Fannin County.