FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 7, 2008
Columbia, Greenville, Blythewood and Barnwell schools named year-end Champions of the Environment
COLUMBIA – Five schools and twelve student winners were awarded prizes on May 1 at the Champions of the Environment year-end celebration, the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control announced today.
The Junior Scientists of Forest Heights Elementary School in Columbia were named 2008 overall Champions of the Environment and received $2,500. The first runner-up and winner of $1,500 was Stone Academy of Communication Arts in Greenville. Second runner-up Blythewood High School took home $1000. The Beck Academy Robotics team in Greenville and Barnwell High School each received honorable mention for their projects and a prize of $500.
The Junior Scientists are 25 fourth and fifth grade students who entitled their project, “My, What Big Feet You Have! Reducing Our Environmental Footprint” During the 2007-2008 school year, these students evaluated their families’ environmental footprint. The students also identified and carried out projects designed to reduce pollution through recycling, waste reduction, and energy or water efficiency. They created public service announcements for the school’s morning news program and traveled to another elementary school to share their environmental knowledge through hands-on activities and games. As a culminating activity for the year, the students held Eco-Fest, a presentation at the school’s annual community event.
In addition to awarding overall Champions, 12 students were awarded prizes in the Environmental Awareness Middle School competition in the following categories:
- Essay:
- First place – Shira Cohen of Ashley Hall, Charleston
- Second place – Emma Easler of Williamsburg Academy, Kingstree
- Third place – Jason Wilson of Pinewood Preparatory School, Summerville
- Photo:
- First place – Jacob Cain of Bates Middle School, Sumter
- Second place – Sam Walker of Moultrie Middle School, Mt. Pleasant
- Third place – William Southgate of Porter-Gaud School, Charleston
- Poster:
- First place – Desmond Smith of William J. Clark Middle School, Orangeburg
- Second place – Marissa Richardson of McCants Middle School, Anderson
- Third place – Natalie Mann of Pinewood Preparatory School, Summerville
- Public Service Announcement Winners:
- First place – Michelle Demmerle of Heathwood Hall Episcopal School, Columbia
- Second place – Grace Weeks of The Village School, Gaffney
- Third place – Jessica Edenfield of Hughes Academy of Science and Technology, Greenville
Champions of the Environment is made possible through the support of International Paper, Eastman Chemical Company, WCSC-TV, WIS-TV and DHEC. The program is in its 15th year of promoting environmental education by rewarding students and teachers for their efforts to improve and protect South Carolina’s environment.
For more information, or to apply, visit the Champions’ Web site at: http://www.scdhec.gov/champions, or call Lynne LaSalle at (803) 898-4394.
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For more information:
Lynne LaSalle – (803) 898-4394
E-mail – lasallli@dhec.sc.gov
or
Adam Myrick – (803) 898-3885
E-mail – myrickar@dhec.sc.gov
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