Governor Blagojevich Recognizes Students for Environmental Achievements with Green Youth Awards for Excellence

SPRINGFIELD - The hard work and commitment of students and schools across Illinois to exhibit environmental leadership and stewardship was recognized on May 11 at the Governor's Green Youth Awards for Excellence at the Governor's Mansion in Springfield.  The awards, administered by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), acknowledged outstanding environmental protection and conservation projects by Illinois' young people. 

 

"These youth are to be commended not just for their excellent work in these projects, but also for their leadership and initiative" said Governor Blagojevich.  "Their environmental stewardship sets a wonderful example for their peers, communities, and Illinois as a whole."

 

The winners of the Governor's Green Youth Awards were students who worked on environmental projects either individually or as part of a group,  and K-12 schools recognized for their achievements in waste reduction, energy efficiency, and sustainability. 

 

"These projects demonstrate the innovative ways young people throughout the state are working to protect Illinois' environment," said Illinois EPA Director Doug Scott.  "Through these awards, we hope to teach other young people about the importance of environmental protection."

 

"By taking leadership roles in their communities, and getting involved in the projects that truly matter in both the present and the future, these students are striving to make a real difference in Illinois and the world.  This awards ceremony is a chance for Governor Blagojevich to recognize the extraordinary work they've done and to encourage them to continue on this path," DCEO Director Jack Lavin said.

 

 

 

Robert Richmond's project reduced the amount of surplus monofilament line that is improperly discarded by fishermen.  Under guidance from the Cook County Forest Preserve, the project consisted of assembling collection receptacles and placing them at various points at Tampier Lake and educating the public about the program.  Robert talked to fishermen at the lake, gave interviews on local radio stations, newspapers and fishing clubs.  Robert also received a Keep America Beautiful Hometown Award for this ambitious project.

 

Tayler built and maintains a bluebird trail at the Toluca Coal Mine "Jumbo" Park.  While performing his maintenance on the trail he discovered that the trees the preservation committee had planted were showing signs of drought stress, negatively impacting the wildlife species dependent on the trees.  Tayler's project included pruning, fertilizing and mulching all the trees and then tiling eight rows of ground to prevent erosion around the pond.  The Revitalization of Jumbo Park has provided a cleaner and safer environment for all who inhabit and use the park.  As a result the bird population has increased and the water is safer for all due to the management of the erosion sites. 

 

The EnergyNet Team, thirteen 9-12 grade students, successfully acted upon its motto, "Being Green:  It's Your World."  As a team, they raised school and community energy awareness by constructing projects that would aid the reduction of fossil energy dependency.  Energy Net Team activities included:

 

·         Teaching  5^th grade students about energy as part of the 2007 Community Earth Day/Volunteer Expo at Rock Valley College

 

Rhodes School will receive special recognition for its continued years of excellent recycling, source reduction, and energy conservation projects and programs.  This school is very close to "Zero Waste."  All projects are student driven, including:

 

 

The Apple River Middle School Energy Club, an eight member group of 4^th graders, was determined to learn about energy and promote energy efficiency and sustainability practices to others.  Activities included:

 

Demonstrating and explaining renewable energy, ethanol and solar energy to other students.  The Energy Club students taught other teachers and students about the online solar monitoring system and built a model solar house for demo purposes.  They also used a solar blog site to read about other schools' solar panel projects. 

 

Pontiac Township High School - Pontiac

The Ecology Class at Pontiac Township High School brought to the attention of students and community members the potential dangers of non-point source pollution and the need for waste reduction.  Activities included:

 

 

Donna Moody, 4^th grade teacher Summit Elementary School used vermicomposting as an interdisciplinary subject.  Moody had worm bins in her classroom to compost daily food waste from her student's lunches.  She has taught math, art, science, reading, computer use, and creative writing using vermicomposting as the core topic.  Her classes have weighed, measured, and sorted food waste and kept worm bins active for four years. 

 

Idella Robertson's 5^th grade class conducted a "Trash Walk" which netted $70 from recycled aluminum cans and $90 from recycling ink cartridges. The class also participated in and won the K'nexpert contest where they were challenged to construct an energy efficient Amusement Park using K'nex construction toy building materials.