This year, the National Association of Wastewater Technicians’ William Hapchuk Memorial Scholarship assignment for 2012 was to design and create a slogan or a bumper sticker promoting NAWT, and then write an essay explaining why the slogan should be chosen.

Many professionals working in the wastewater industries are members of NAWT, but many are not. NAWT is a national association that focuses on maintaining a unified voice for the industry, being a leader in education, and projecting a positive public image. NAWT provides information and educational opportunities to the working professionals in the industry.

Elizabeth Rachlin received $1,000 for her submission. Her bumper sticker, “Why NAWT?” was simple yet creative. She incorporated the newly designed NAWT logo in the design. Those who are not familiar with NAWT may be intrigued enough to say, “Hmmm, ‘Why NAWT?’ What is that all about?” It could prompt people in the industry to look up NAWT on the Internet; the NAWT website is included on the design as well.

The winning design is an effective invitation to people to learn more about the mission of NAWT. There was tough competition this year for the committee to rank the submissions – many of them were creative ideas, but Rachlin’s came out on top. She was awarded the $1,000 check at the State Association Breakfast at the Pumper & Cleaner Environmental Expo International in Indianapolis in February.

Rachlin, 20, is a junior at Shippensburg University in Shippensburg, Pa., majoring in communications, public relations. She is the daughter of Jeff and Donna Rachlin. Jeff Rachlin is president of NAWT and owner of OnSite Management, West Chester, Pa.

The William Hapchuk Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually to a current full-time college student majoring in environmental science, life science or related curriculum. The application can be submitted either electronically or as a paper copy. The application deadline for the 2013 scholarship entry is Jan. 1, 2014. A Scholarship Committee evaluates and scores all the essays according to originality, clarity and composition. The individual tallying the most overall points in the judging is awarded the scholarship.

Every year, we ask if you have any ideas about what we might ask our up-and-coming industry leaders. It is always nice to see and get a view from a young and fresh perspective, so please don’t hesitate to email me questions you would like to be answered by the scholarship participants next year. Or if you have another idea, like this year’s twist from the typical essay question, please feel free to email me the details.

People like you make the scholarship possible. Make your donation today in memory of William Hapchuk and you will be making a different in a student’s life. NAWT is confident the annual scholarship winner’s academic growth will continue during studies and, furthermore, create a positive impact on our industry in the future.