Green Gurus ~ youth & our Earth
2010 Green Matters Essay Contest Winners Announced to Celebrate Earth Day
Christina Vietinghoff, a Grade 11 student at Fredericton High School, has won top prize in the High School category of the third annual Green Matters essay Contest.
The winners were announced by Fredericton Mayor Brad Woodside during a special Earth Day screening of Disneynature’s “Oceans” at Empire Theatres in Regent Mall. The screening, hosted by the City’s Green Matters team, offered a spectacular and unprecedented look at life in the world’s oceans
“These essays gave students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 to talk about what they, their classmates and families could do to protect the environment,” said Mayor Woodside. “I was particularly moved by one essay where a student talked about her vision of the most sustainable way of life in our community.”
Ms. Vietinghoff’s winning essay suggested ways to make her home, school and community more environmentally sustainable. Her essay included commitments to living in a home “off the grid” by using solar energy; to water conservation; reduced energy consumption; and non-motorized transportation.
She also called for the environment to be included in all subjects taught in her school and for her school cafeteria to sell only local, organic and fair trade food. The top prize carried a $500 award.
Judges Leah Anstis, Brisn McCain and Eddie Oldfield selected the following winners in each category. (Click on the name to read the essay)
High School: First prize - Christina Vietinghoff
Middle School: First prize - Lauren Ryan; second prize - Juno Yim
Elementary grades 3-5: Lars Scwarz; grades K-2 Mackenzie Pond
Two classes also received books for participation, Mrs. McAllister’s class at South Devon, and Ms. Somer’s class at Royal Road.
“The City of Fredericton is committed to being an environmental leader and making this community as sustainable as it can be,” said Mayor Woodside. “It is encouraging to see the youth of our community making a commitment to making their own life a little greener and I want to thank everyone who took the time to enter our essay contest and share their views with us.”
The contest was presented and sponsored by Green Matters
Because Climate Change is too important to leave to the adults
Do you know what climate change means? How about the Greenhouse Effect? It's time to start learning and tell your parents and your teachers. In just a few years, you will be making the decisions that affect our environment and our planet. Check out these cool sites to learn about climate change and how you can live and play a little greener.
**NEW - Click here to access an Environmental Education Manual for grades K-5.
Click here to see how you can raise your own Green Guru - from the ground up!
Cool Climate Change Links
Check out these great links to help you, your class, your school, and your family 'GET GREEN' !!
NEW!! - Calendar Club - Natural Resources Canada
Environmental Protection Agency - Climate Change Kids Site
Tiki the Penguin teaches us about climate change
European Space Agency - Kids Earth
David Suzuki's Nature Challenge for Kids
Places to learn about the environment here in your backyard!
