I had the chance to follow up last week with Amber Simo, Brand Manager at Multipure, and Travis Richards, the company’s Content Manager and comic book creator behind Dewey the Clean Water Hero, just after the winners of this year’s Multipure Hydration Hero Contest were announced. What started as a simple idea to engage kids in clean water awareness grew into a full-scale school district initiative. After visiting schools, reviewing student work, and celebrating victories with families, it’s clear that this contest became something far bigger than anyone expected.
Students created water villains with heart and purpose
A total of 35 schools across Clark County School District participated in the Multipure Hydration Hero Contest. The contest welcomed students from K-5th grade giving them the chance to imagine original water villains that threaten the environment and public health.
The entries reflected real scientific understanding alongside bold creativity. Kirsten I., a 3rd grader from Toland International Academy, earned first place for her villain “Toxic Girl”, a character who makes water dirty. In second place, Damian C. from Walter Bracken STEAM Academy created “Frostbite”, a villain who freezes and destroys water resources.
Evan M., a 4th grader from Roger D. Gehring Academy of Science and Technology, received third place for designing “Tony Toxin”, who infiltrates groundwater and makes it toxic. Each winner received a cash prize, and their teachers celebrated the students’ success with pride.
According to Amber, the level of detail students poured into their entries made this contest unforgettable as it exemplified the goals of the Hydration Hero initiative.
Classrooms and schools earned big rewards
In addition to individual student awards, full classrooms and schools were recognized for participation. The top-submitting classroom was Ms. Rosenberger’s 3rd grade class at John S. Park Elementary, winning a $300 prize and a Hydration Party hosted by Multipure. Dewey made a surprise appearance at the party, delivering clean water demonstrations and surprise gifts. It wasn’t just a celebration—it was an educational moment that left a lasting impression inspired by the Hydration Hero’s ideals. The top three schools by volume of submissions were also honored. Roger Gehring Elementary School earned $1,700, Gwendolyn Woolley Elementary received $1,500, and Helen Anderson Toland International Academy took home $1,200. These funds are now being reinvested into classroom learning materials and health-based programming for future science enrichment.
Dewey the mascot made it real for students and families
Travis explained how Dewey became more than a character—he became a real figure in schools. Dewey visited every winning campus, posed for pictures with students and teachers, and created memories that students won’t soon forget. According to Amber, teachers and students were thrilled to meet Dewey, and his presence even brought parents out to school events. His costume, comic book persona, and hands-on lessons helped make water literacy exciting, underlining the essence of the Multipure Hydration Hero Contest. Dewey served as a perfect bridge between learning and fun. In several schools, students cheered when Dewey arrived and treated him like a hometown celebrity. That reaction turned classroom science into real community engagement.
Judging focused on message and imagination
Amber and Travis shared that the judging process was rooted in two things—creativity and the ability to stand proudly beside Dewey. The team looked for original concepts, science literacy, and storytelling power. While artwork varied, what really stood out were the characters and the reasoning behind their threats, essential to the vision of the Hydration Hero campaign. Many entries showed a clear understanding of how pollution, overuse, and environmental neglect affect clean water systems.
Multipure looks ahead to next year’s expansion
When I asked Amber what surprised her most, she said it was how much students cared. “We expected good participation,” she told me, “but we didn’t expect this level of excitement, creativity, and awareness.” Travis echoed that sentiment, adding that students seemed to bond with Dewey as more than a comic book hero—they treated him like a mentor. Because of the success, Multipure now hopes to expand the program nationwide in the coming years. Multipure is actively working to bring the contest to more school districts, aiming to involve a wider range of students. This planned expansion supports the core mission of the Hydration Hero campaign.
Dewey’s legacy as a clean water hero
There’s no doubt that Dewey made a mark. But more importantly, the students who joined the contest became heroes too. They studied, created, and took action. They learned about clean water through stories, teamwork, and science. And they inspired each other. That kind of change doesn’t come from a textbook. It comes from engagement. And that’s why the Multipure Hydration Hero Contest matters. It’s not just about drawings or prizes. It’s about creating lasting, meaningful awareness—one student, one classroom, one hero at a time.
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