News Releases - 2002

Green Youth Award Recognizes Mother McAuley High School Students For Outstanding Environmental Project

Springfield, Ill. -- Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Director Renee Cipriano today presented a Green Youth Award to Mother McAuley High School in Chicago 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.

"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."

Mother McAuley High School received this award for their Energize McAuley Project. Over 90 students organized into teams to conduct an energy audit of their school, addressing the areas of lighting, building efficiency, HVAC, and equipment. Over the next five years, the school will realize a net savings estimated at $47,000. The group put together a facilitation guide so that other schools will have a model to work from in addressing their energy issues

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.

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.

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.