The Environmental Management System (EMS) staff of Smithfield Packing Company in Tar Heel recently celebrated Earth Day at two Bladen schools. Tar Heel Middle School participated in a Poster/Essay Contest and Plainview Primary School held a Coloring Contest with their second graders.

At Tar Heel Middle School, the contest involved writing a brief essay with an accompanying poster about "What Earth Day Means to ME." Second, first and third place winners were named in each grade. Each 1st place winner received a CD Walkman, and all winners received placement ribbons. Photos were taken of all the winners planting a "Dawn Redwood" tree that was donated by Smithfield Packing.

"They were excited about the competition and took it very seriously," said Mrs. Inman, principal at Tar Heel Middle School. "They loved their prizes by the way! Every time we look at the tree you donated to our school we will be reminded of your time and effort to help make Tar Heel Middle School a better place."

During the visit to Plainview Primary School, the 2nd graders participated in a coloring contest, with a theme of "Recycling and Saving Water." The students enjoyed "story time," questions and answers with the EMS staff. There was also an ice cream party along with Earth Day headbands with "enough bugs and flowers" for everyone.

While the students ate their ice cream sundaes, the EMS staff awarded the winners their trophies for first and second place in the coloring contest.

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