Student environmental awards from EPA - some inspiring stories

[Muttocracy]

I think some of these stories are great examples of what a good idea and some persistence can accomplish. I sometimes get discouraged, especially the last few years, that it's hard to make a real difference in the world, but I found these inspiring. :)

(press release from an elist I'm on, link down below)

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From: U.S. EPA < mailto:[e-mail]>
Sent: Thursday, April 17, 2008 10:08 AM
Subject: Awards and Recognition News Release (HQ): Students Recognized
for Contributing To Healthier Environment

News for Release: Thursday, April 17, 2008

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Students Recognized for Contributing To Healthier Environment

Contact Information: Shakeba Carter-Jenkins, (202)-564-4355 /
carter-jenkins.shakeba@ epa.gov

(Washington, D.C. - April 17, 2008) The White House and EPA are
recognizing young people from around the country today at the 2007
President's Environmental Youth Awards (PEYA) for their contributions in
promoting environmental awareness and community involvement in such
issues as lead, recycling, water quality monitoring, air pollution and
carbon footprints.

President George W. Bush and EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson
presented the awards in a Rose Garden ceremony at the White House.

"Environmental responsibility is everyone's responsibility" said EPA
Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. "This year's Presidential
Environmental Youth Award winners have made protecting our planet an
everyday commitment, and proven that together we can create a cleaner,
healthier world."

Winners were selected from among applicants to EPA's 10 regional
offices. Regional EPA panels judge projects on environmental need,
accomplishments of goals, long-term environmental benefits and positive
impact on local communities. The panels also consider project design,
coordination, implementation, innovation and soundness of approach. The
winners come from Milton, Mass.; Forest Hills, N.Y.; Arlington, Va.;
Huntingdon, Tenn.; Arlington Heights, Ill.; Pasadena, Texas; Reed
Spring, Mich.; Helena, Mont.; Riverside, Calif.; and Redmond, Wash.

PEYA has been presented annually since 1971 to honor students in
kindergarten through twelfth grade who develop innovative environmental
projects.

Winners and project descriptions:
http://www.epa.gov/enviroed/peya/peya2007.html

[gateley]

1. That IS good news -- thanks!! nt