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Arlington Kids Meet President Bush for Environmental Award

Release Date: 04/17/2008
Contact Information: Terri A. White white.terri-a@epa.gov 215-814-5523

WASHINGTON (April 17, 2008) In a White House ceremony today, President Bush awarded 10 sixth graders from the HB Woodlawn School in Arlington, Va., with the Presidential Environmental Youth Award for their work to help the environment. The Arlington students won the award for organizing a community recycling collection that netted more than 450 electronic products including cell phones and computer equipment. The students were credited for raising awareness about properly recycling electronics waste to prevent pollution.

"Environmental responsibility is everyone’s responsibility," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson, who joined President Bush in recognizing the Arlington students and other students from across the country who won 2007 PEYA awards. "This year’s Presidential Environmental Youth Award winners have made protecting our planet an everyday commitment, and proven that together we can create a cleaner, healthier world."

The idea for the community recycling project came after a science field trip to a local stream where the students found discarded computer equipment, cell phones and other electronic parts. After researching recycling programs, the students learned that Arlington County did not offer curbside recycling for electronics, and in March 2007 held a one-day event collecting electronic items from homes.

PEYA has been presented annually since 1971 to honor students in kindergarten through 12th grade who develop innovative environmental projects.

Winners and project descriptions: https://www.epa.gov/enviroed/peya/peya2007.html