News Releases - 2002

Green Youth Award Presented To Oak Lawn School For Outstanding Youth Environmental Project

Springfield, Ill. -- Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Director Renee Cipriano today presented a Green Youth Award to 4th & 5th grade Classes at St. Linus School in Oak Lawn, in a ceremony at the State Capitol.

The school was one of 11 recognized in the first annual Green Youth Awards, recognizing outstanding environmental protection and conservation projects by Illinois young people.

St. Linus School 4th & 5th grade Classes received this award for their Kids Save the Earth Fair project. These students sponsored an Earth Fair at which kindergarten through 3rd grade students learned about the environment while playing games such as recycle bowling, separate the trash and aluminum foil basketball.

"We are committed to encouraging and recognizing outstanding youth-led activities that set an example for making our environment cleaner and greener," said Director Cipriano. "I was thrilled with not only the high quality of projects submitted but also with the wonderful innovations involved in protecting Illinois' environment."

The projects must have involved one or more of the following categories: waste reduction, reduction of pollution in the air, water or land; restoration or preservation of natural areas; energy or water efficiency; or cleanup/beautification.

Through Governor Ryan's innovative Green Illinois program, government and communities have been encouraged to make Illinois a safe and healthy place to live.

"Through the Green Youth Awards we hope to encourage youth to continue pursuing environmental projects now and in the future," said Director Cipriano during her remarks at the afternoon ceremony.

Youth 17 or younger, in kindergarten through 12th grade, enrolled in public, private or home school, who participated in an environmental project begun no earlier than January 2000 were eligible to apply.