Washing hands just got a little easier at Madison Elementary in West Allis, Wisc., thanks to a new washfountain the school was awarded in the Bradley Ultimate Washfountain Challenge.

        Bradley Corp. kicked off its 80th anniversary last year with the "Ultimate Washfountain Challenge" to find the most unique, antique or otherwise unusual washfountains.

        Bradley is the inventor of the washfountain, which is a group-handwashing fixture that saves water, energy and space compared with traditional lavatories or faucets.

        Contest entries were narrowed down to five finalists who were then voted on by people visiting the website www.bradleycorp.com.

        Voters likely chose Madison Elementary?s washfountain because it was extremely old and because a new one would benefit kindergarten and first grade students.

        Each entrant in the contest submitted photos of its washfountain, along with a description of where and how the washfountain was used and why it should be considered "the ultimate."

        "Our students enjoy using the new washfountain ? sometimes they spend a little too much time in that area," said first-year kindergarten teacher, Jennifer Maciejewski.

        "We stress handwashing because it helps prevent the spread of germs and disease," added principal Lori Lester.

        Last year, the school began requiring students to wash their hands before entering the lunchroom to promote a cleaner school environment.

        Bradley Corp. designs and manufacturers commercial washfountains and is an exclusive source for plumbing fixtures, washroom accessories, partitions, emergency fixtures and solid plastic lockers.