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Children at Eight Vermont 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 – Over 50 students from eight Vermont elementary schools received US EPA Paul G. Keough Earth Artist awards at a celebration last Friday, May 20 at the ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain in Burlington, Vt.

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 Vermont 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.”

Vermont winners of the Earth Artist contest, who all won for their posters, were recognized at the ceremony where their 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 Vermont schools were recognized at the ceremony:
 

• Charleston Elementary School, W. Charleston
• Good Shepard Catholic School, St. Johnsbury
• Highgate Elementary School, Highgate Center
• Orange Center School, E. Barre
• Sacred Heart School, Newport
• State Street School, Windsor
• Vergennes Union Elementary School, Vergennes
• West Rutland Elementary School, West Rutland