News Releases - 2002

Green Youth Award Presented To Pontiac Students For Outstanding Environmental Project

Springfield, Ill. -- Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Director Renee Cipriano today presented a Green Youth Award to the Pontiac High School Ecology Class and the Pontiac Junior High School 8th Grade Class in a ceremony at the State Capitol.

They were among 11 student entries recognized in the first annual Green Youth Awards for 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."

The Pontiac High School Ecology Class and Pontiac Junior High School 8th Grade Class received this award for their Pontiac Storm Sewer Stenciling Project. This educational project combined students and local resources to increase public awareness on non-point source pollution. High school and junior high students stenciled warnings on local storm sewers to alert the community to the connections between storm sewers and environmental quality.

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.