Huntington High School’s environmental club recently sponsored a poster contest to help celebrate Earth Day. Entries were impressive and the initiative proved be a fun learning experience.
The contest was an effort by club members to raise environmental awareness throughout the high school community. The effort included morning public address system announcements of an environmental “tip of the day” in the weeks preceding Earth Day.
Contest rules required participants to create a poster addressing a current environmental issue. Ten posters in all were submitted to Deborah Beck, a high school science teacher who serves as the environmental club’s faculty advisor. A panel of judges consisting of science and art teachers evaluated each of the submissions.
The club awarded six prizes for “creativity” and for “best environmental message.” First place winners in each category received a $50 VISA gift card. All other award recipient were given $5 and a reusable water bottle filled with tasty treats.
Noah Morris, who serves as the environmental club’s president announced the poster contest winners at an after school Earth Day celebration. The club extended an open invitation to the entire school and the party was packed. Students enjoyed pizza, party snacks and dessert as well as a piñata.
The award recipients include:
Creativity:
1st place: Naysa Escobar
2nd place: Patricia Campos
3rd place” Josie Fasolino
Environmental Message:
1st place: Julia Segal
2nd place: Erika Varady
3rd place: Roberto Contreras and Pablo Aparicio
The environmental club is responsible for the weekly collection of paper for recycling at Huntington High School. It also maintains Eli’s Garden, which was planted two years ago in the courtyard as a memorial for Eli Mollineaux, a beloved Huntington student who passed in October 2016.
Club members participated in an anti-straw campaign earlier this year, working to recruit local restaurants to provide straws only when requested or to switch to paper straws.
The club meets weekly to educate members and discuss current environmental issues. The club is hoping to participate in a beach cleanup before the year closes.
