First Annual Eco-Hero Award Contest Winners Are Announced

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 19, 2012

For more information, please contact:
Carrie Albright, City of Bloomington Environmental Commission Chair, carrieaalbright@yahoo.com

First Annual Eco-Hero Award Contest Winners Are Announced

BLOOMINGTON, IN - Last Earth Day was extra special in Bloomington because the City of Bloomington's Environmental Commission (EC) highlighted the great things our youth do for the environment, including organizing an ecology club, greening the prom, making their own clothes from second-hand clothing, using water saving showerheads, growing watermelons, building animal shelters, picking up litter, recycling and much more.

To spread the word and honor these actions, the EC coordinated the first ever Annual Eco-Hero Award Contest. The goal of this competition was not only to encourage youth to build positive lifelong behaviors, but also to remind adults of the importance of thinking long-term for the environment and future generations. Participants included students from grades kindergarten through 12 who submitted essays and art with the theme, "What I Do for the Environment." Submissions ranged from paintings and songs to sculptures and essays.

"The Environmental Commission is thrilled to have more than 100 submissions for the first annual Eco Hero Award Contest," said event coordinator Phaedra Pezzullo. "It's clear that youth in Bloomington care about the environment and are doing many inspiring things every day to make our city and planet a better place to live."

There were 16 winners and 1 winning classroom for this competition. These winners are as follows by age group: For K-2nd grade, second place was a tie between Michael Vanover & Jamari Bell from Fairview Elementary School, and Natalie Ruegsegger & Trinity Johnson from Fairview Elementary School. First place was a tie between homeschooled Cora Mae Deemer and David Rice from Childs Elementary School. An award was also given to Mrs. Murray's Kindergarten class for best class submission from Childs Elementary School.

For 3rd-6th grade, third place went to Gus Richter from Clear Creek Elementary School. Second place was a tie between Josie Sparks from Childs Elementary School and Maggie Doyle from Childs Elementary School. First place went to homeschooled Keegan Deemer.

For 7th-8th grade, third place went to Keller Makemson from Jackson Creek Middle School. Second place went to Autumn Snyder-Siney from Jackson Creek Middle School. First place went to Natalia Fuentes-Rohwer from Jackson Creek Middle School.

For 9th-12th grade, third place went to Margaret Holahan from Bloomington High School South. Second place went to Lauren Kirk from Bloomington High School South. First place went to Katie Head from Bloomington High School South.

"We are inspired by the enthusiasm of Bloomington students and are excited to reward that positive energy with donations provided by local businesses," said Carrie Albright, Chair of the EC. "Part of this competition is to show students that they are supported by their community members."

Sponsors for the event include: the City of Bloomington Environmental Commission, City of Bloomington's Office of the Mayor and Planning Department, Bikesmiths, Bloomingfoods, Chocolate Moose, Cynthia Moriarty Catering, Eco Logic, Game Preserve, Global Gifts, Hoosier Heights, IU Auditorium, Kid Kazooey, Laughing Planet, Mother Bears Pizza, Plato's Closet, Scholar's Inn Bakehouse, Soma Coffeehouse and Juicebar, Taylor's Par 3, TIS Bookstore, Twisted Limb Paperwork, Upland Brewery, WonderLab and World Wide Auto.

Entries and/or award certificates are available for pick up only until August 27, 2012. Please pick up your items at the City of Bloomington Planning Department, which is located in Suite 160 of City Hall, 401 North Morton Street, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

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