Dowell Elementary class honored for conservation efforts

A third-grade class at Dowell Elementary School was given the Supreme Rain Barrel Award.

The class spent a month this school year decorating rain barrels and learning about the importance of water conservation.

"Both teachers and students showed enthusiasm and creativity in their approach to learning and sharing the value of water conservation," said Becky Mixon, a spokeswoman for waterSmart, the organization that sponsored the contest.