“I*MA*GREEN*NATION” Contest

12 students from Washington West Elementary School in Olean traveled to Albany to attend the “I*MA*GREEN*NATION” Celebration awards, an annual event that encourages students to share their knowledge, understanding and ideas about important environmental challenges facing their community. The students won first place in the Science & Technology Division for their project which included audio visual as well as an informative posterboard.

The event, which recognizes students in grades one through eight who participated in the 17th annual competition, was held at the state Capitol on Tuesday, May 20, 2008. The winners received award medals, viewed submissions by their fellow students from around the state, and had the opportunity to tour the seat of state government.

“I*MA*GREEN*NATION” offers students a fun and unique educational opportunity to share their thoughts about current environmental challenges, as well as learn from classmates and others across the state about their ideas and experiences," said Senator Cathy Young, who is pictured with the students. The statewide competition pitted students from elementary and middle schools for presentation of ideas and solutions to the problems of solid waste reduction and encouragement for recycling. Entries were judged for imagination, subject matter and creativity.

The winners included: Emily Allen, Noah Patrick, Tyler Richmond, Jorden Barr, Geoffrey Broadbent, Jake Cihak, Sierra Donovan, Lexi Everetts, Maija Klute, Julie Mulryan, Alexis Sova, Brooke Swetland as winners of First Place in the Science & Technology Division. Their teacher is Mrs. Cari Matejka.

(Photo Courtesy of Senator Young's Office/Matt Roberts)