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Children at 13 Rhode Island Schools Win Awards for Environmental Art

Release Date: 05/24/2005
Contact Information:

Contact: Sheryl Rosner, EPA Office of Public Affairs, (617) 918-1865, rosner.sheryl@epa.gov

For Immediate Release: May 24, 2005; Release # sr050505

BOSTON – More than 100 students from 13 Rhode Island elementary schools received US EPA Paul G. Keough Earth Artist awards at a celebration Monday, May 23 at Roger Williams Park & Casino in Providence.

Students from around New England participated in the 32nd annual Earth Artist contest to demonstrate their knowledge of and commitment to a clean environment.

"Students in Rhode Island and elsewhere in New England are our best hope for the future protection of our environment,” said Robert W. Varney, regional administrator of EPA’s New England office. “This ceremony recognizes artwork done by these students to encourage all of us to help keep our air, land and water cleaner.”

Rhode Island winners of the Earth Artist contest were recognized at the ceremony where their art and poetry were displayed. Students received certificates for their accomplishments.

The Earth Artists program requires that teachers use class time to talk about environmental issues. The students are encouraged to submit either a poem or poster to EPA New England that demonstrates their knowledge. Children from kindergarten through sixth grade are eligible to participate. All submissions are judged by a panel of EPA staff.

Students from the following Rhode Island schools were recognized at the ceremony:

• Early Childhood Center, Johnston
• Graniteville Elementary School, Johnston
• Sarah Dyer Barnes School, Johnston
• Thornton Elementary School, Johnston
• Ella Risk School, Central Falls
• Deering Middle School, West Warwick
• St. Pius V School, Providence
• Little Red Hen School, East Greenwich
• Pawtucket Day Child Development Center, Pawtucket
• St. Leo the Great School, Pawtucket
• Stoney Lane Elementary School, N. Kingston
• Oakland Beach Elementary School, Warwick
• Lower School at Sweet Peas Village, E. Greenwich