HATTIESBURG - The Longleaf Trace, part of the Rails to Trails conservation project, held a recognition lunch for the school winners of the 2005 Longleaf Trace Coloring Book Contest at the Gateway at Southern Miss on Dec. 13.

Designed to expose young people to the Longleaf Trace through art, the contest was held for third-grade students in the Pearl and Leaf Rivers Rails to Trails Recreational District. Winners from each participating classroom won prizes from the Gateway, including vouchers for bicycle rentals on the Longleaf Trace.

Bill Powe, manager of the Gateway, said, "We have really had a great response from the schools in the area.  We targeted schools in Hattiesburg, Sumrall, Bassfield, Prentiss and Petal.  Schools that did not participate this fall will have an opportunity to participate in the spring.  I hope that with such a high participation level, we will see an increase in usage of the Trace."

School winners were Leticia Martinez, Hawkins Elementary; Lorhetta Lawrence, LJ Rowan Elementary; Jamal Peters, Carver Elementary; Abby Pendarvis, Sumrall Elementary; Nadia Rowland, Thames Elementary; Mariah Evans, Woodley Elementary; Zaria Tillman, Rowan Elementary; and Kaytlin Manasco, WL Smith Elementary.

"We have already received calls from schools wanting to participate in the spring," said Tyler Williams, assistant director for Marketing and Public Relations of Recreational Sports at Southern Miss. "Our goal is to make this an event that teachers and students look forward to participating in each year."

To participate in the spring contest contact:
Bill Powe
Manager, Outdoor Program
Recreational Sports
The University of Southern Mississippi
601-450-2453 Voice
601-450-5260 Fax
Bill.Powe@usm.edu