U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA)
Young Leaders Recognized for
Environmental, Community Impacts
Contact: Enesta Jones, (202) 564-4355
/ jones.enesta@epa.gov
(Washington, D.C. - April 20, 2006) Building a grated walk that provides
access to the Slikok Creek and prevents bank erosion; modifying the first hybrid
land speed racer; and raising community awareness about debris and its effects
on the streets of Brooklyn -- these are three of the 10 projects that were
recognized at the 35th annual 2005 President's Environmental Youth Awards (PEYA)
ceremony today at the White House.
President George W. Bush and EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson today welcomed
49 students from across the nation to the White House to honor their
achievements in environmental protection.
"From revived prairies to restored stream banks, the innovative projects of our
future leaders are proving that environmental responsibility is everyone's
responsibility," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. "As President Bush
and EPA invite Americans to renew the commitment to the environment this Earth
Day, it is good to know we are handing down a cleaner, healthier environment to
enthusiastic, capable hands."
PEYA has been presented annually since 1971 to honor students in kindergarten
through twelfth grade who develop projects that help protect local environments
and promote local environmental awareness in their communities.
Each student receiving an award developed an innovative project that promotes
awareness and encourages people of all ages to protect their environment through
community involvement.
Winners were selected from among applicants to EPA's 10 regional offices.
Regional EPA panels judge projects on environmental need, accomplishment 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
Marshfield, Mass.; Brooklyn, N.Y.; Souderton, Pa.; Augusta, Ga.; Midland,
Mich.; Fayetteville and Rogers, Ark.; Kansas City, Mo.; Ogden, Utah; Palm
Desert, Calif.; and Soldotna, Alaska.
Information on the PEYA Program, the 2005 award winners and their project
descriptions:
http://www.epa.gov/enviroed/peya2005.html