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Former Eatonville Students Receive President’s Environmental Award

Release Date: 4/21/2004
Contact Information: Jeff Philip
philip.jeff@epamail.epa.gov
(206) 553-1465


April 21, 2004


President George W. Bush will be on hand as former students from Eatonville High School are presented with the President’s Environmental Youth Award at a White House ceremony on Earth Day, April 22nd. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency selected the students for this national honor for their work on improving the water quality in their community.

The students, known as the Eatonville High School Salmon Enhancement Group, worked under the supervision of local teachers James Clague and Lucy Fountain. Their efforts resulted in four major environmental benefits:
  • Comprehensive water quality studies on five streams flowing into the Nisqually River.
  • Coordination with the Nisqually Indian Tribe to restore salmon runs in a number of Nisqually River tributaries.
  • Restoration of riparian habitat with the help of Nisqually Stream Stewards.
  • Bringing the Eatonville community together at the “Stewardship of My Watershed” summit in the Spring of 2003 to share knowledge and experiences.
Photo of Award Winners from Region 10
Former students were present
to recieve the President's Award.
(Click photo for larger image)

President's Remarks and the Ceremony
video image view
audio image listen


“These student’s are to be applauded for their commitment to making the environment in their communities better,” said Acting Deputy Administrator Stephen L. Johnson.

Of the Salmon Enhancement Group’s original seven students, three are in Washington, D.C. this week to receive the award, discuss their project and meet with their members of congress.

The President’s Environmental Youth Awards program -- celebrating 32 years of recognizing student excellence and achievement -- has two components: the regional certificate program and the national awards competition. Regional certificates from the President of the United States are awarded by each of the ten EPA regions. One outstanding project from each region is presented with a Presidential plaque at an EPA sponsored award ceremony. Youth of any age - from kindergarten through high school - can enter as individuals, or as a group. Young people from around the country are invited annually to participate in the awards program which is aimed at encouraging individuals, school classes, summer camps, public interest groups, and youth organizations to promote environmental awareness and positive community involvement.

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