Water Palooza has engaged 3,700 elementary and middle school students in activities that promote the value of water since 2013.
2019: Maria Saucedo Scholastic Academy, Chicago, IL
- Participation: 400+ students visited 14 different booths
- Highlights: Members of MWRD were in attendance with their lab coats and microscopes, along with WEF’s very own Niles the Crocodile.
2018: St. Mary's Academy, New Orleans, LA
- Participation: 200+ students visited 10 different booths
- Highlights: Marcia St. Marten, the previous Executive Director of the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans, spent the day at her Alma Mater with the Kindergarten through 5th-grade students.
2017: Manierre Elementary School, Chicago, IL
- Participation: 400 students visited 15 different booths
- Highlights: Walter Burnett, Jr., 27th Ward Alderman, discussed the numerous opportunities for careers in the water industry and how vital they are to the city of Chicago. Members of the MWRD Commission were also in attendance along with WEF’s very own Niles the Crocodile.
2016: Einstein Charter School’s Sherwood Forest Campus, New Orleans, LA
- Participation: 400 students visited 12 different booths
- Highlights: Cedric Grant, Executive Director of the Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans, interacted with students and explained why protecting water is important in New Orleans.
2015: John J. Pershing East Magnet School, Chicago, IL
- Participation: 800 elementary students visited 18 booths hosted by 15 organizations.
- Highlights: Representatives from the 4th Ward Alderman’s office stopped by to share information on the area’s water and environment.
2014: Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary & Lusher Charter School, New Orleans, LA
- Participation: 800 students visited 13 booths hosted by 12 organizations.
- Highlights: Students learned about jobs in the water sector, dressed up as a water professionals, and had their photo taken at a water careers photo booth.
2013: Haines Elementary School, Chicago, IL
- Participation: 700 students interacted with 10 different organizations.
- Highlights: The 2nd grade students kicked off an assembly for the 7th and 8th grade students with a song and dance on the water cycle.
