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Students win contest to name drought mascot

An exceptional education class in Sanford won a statewide contest to name the new mascot for the state’s drought education campaign.

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SANFORD, N.C. — An exceptional education class in Sanford won a statewide contest to name the new mascot for the state’s drought education campaign.

Gov. Mike Easley announced Wednesday that the mascot – a little water droplet wearing a life preserver – would be named “Conservin’ Irvin.” The name came from teacher Jane Patterson’s 1st and 2nd grade students at Deep River Elementary School.

Patterson said students brainstormed to come up with the winning name, which beat out 829 other entries.

“Everyone participated equally,” she said.

After record dry conditions and a hot, dry summer potentially on the way, Easley is asking people to continue to use water wisely

“We learned from this drought that everyone in North Carolina needs to use water wisely, and that means conserving, just like Conservin’ Irvin does,” Easley said.

Despite some recovery, state officials warn the drought is not over.

“We’re not out of the woods. The drought categories are worsening in the western part of the state and the prediction of rainfall this summer is uncertain,” said Bill Ross, secretary of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

The mascot naming contest came after Easley’s announcement in March of his proposed legislation to make North Carolina drought proof. That legislation is currently under consideration by the General Assembly.

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