News Releases - 2003

Young Environmentalists Honored at Awards Reception

Springfield, Ill. -- Fifth and sixth grade writers and artists from around Illinois were recognized at an honors reception. at the Hilton Springfield on April 26, wrapping up the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency's 16th annual poster/prose competition.

Forty of the 50 finalists came from all parts of Illinois to attend, and all six finalists were on hand. One finalist, Jacob Keeney of A-C Central Junior High School, was taking part in the annual Lincoln Trail Scout 20 mile hike, which this year was concurrent with the awards program, so his father attended and received his award. Six teachers also attended, to see their students receive their awards.

"It is especially appropriate that tomorrow's adults become aware today of the real need for thoughtful and consistent efforts to protect the resources of the world in which they'll raise their own children," IEPA Director Renee Cipriano said in announcing the winners at the conclusion of judging in March

Marcia Willhite, chief of the Bureau of Water at the Illinois EPA, addressed the group. She noted the progress that has been made in the 30 years since the federal Clean Water Act was adopted in 1970, but said challenges still remain, and encouraged the youngsters and their parents to take action as private citizens to act for continued improvements in water quality.

"What we do can mean the difference between good water and bad water quality. We have to think before we act so we can use our water in the ways we choose - for boating, for drinking water, and for swimming," she said.

Named as top entrants in the poster category were Anne Harris, of Evergreen Park, who attends Northwest Elementary School; Madison Plesko, of Mackinaw, a pupil at Dee-Mack Middle School, and Amanda Tugade, of Franklin Park, who attends St. Maria Goretti School.

In the poetry/prose category, top places went to Erika Brown of Keithsburg, who attends Westmer Elementary School; Ian Porter of Chicago, who attends St. Daniel the Prophet School, and Katie Walsh, also of Chicago, who is a pupil at St. Monica School

The top six works as well as the other 44 chosen as finalists will be on display April 28 - May 30 in the atrium entrance of the IEPA's Springfield headquarters. In addition to being displayed at the Agency's headquarters, the top six winning entries will be featured on the Illinois EPA's website.

The Agency's environmental education guide, "Environmental Pathways---Youth Investigating Pollution Issues in Illinois" meets the standards of the North American Association for Environmental Education Guidelines for Excellence

In all, 21,800 Illinois pupils participated in the "Environmental Pathways" curriculum made available in their classrooms by the IEPA .

After studying about the importance of safe, clean water, youngsters were asked to draw a poster or create a written work showing what they'd learned about the subject.

The youngsters, their families and teachers were invited to the reception. Information about the annual event can be obtained by contacting Janet Hawes-Davis, environmental education coordinator for the IEPA at 1021 North Grand Avenue E., P.O. Box 19276, Springfield, Ill. 62794-9276.

A list of all finalists, their entry categories, and schools, follows.