NEWS FROM THE DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL

For further information, contact Michelle Jacobs, Community Relations Officer, 302-739-9921 or Joanna Wilson, Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.

Charter School of Wilmington Team A wins State Championship in 2012 Delaware Envirothon Competition

LEWES (April 26, 2012) – The Village of Five Points in Lewes provided the first-ever urban setting for a challenging environmental competition during yesterday’s Delaware Envirothon. Fourteen teams, each consisting of five Delaware high school students competed for the big prize – a $3,000 annual scholarship.

The official results were: First Place Team: The Charter School of Wilmington Team A Second Place Team: The Charter School of Wilmington Team B Third Place Team: Polytech High School Team A Fourth Place Team: Polytech High School FFA

Team members worked hard all school year to prepare for the Envirothon. Each team answered questions, reviewed specimens and took measurements in topics dealing with aquatic ecology, soils/land use, wildlife, forestry, the newly added topic of air quality, and the current environmental issue of salt and freshwater estuaries. After more than three hours of testing, the Charter School of Wilmington Team A was crowned the 2012 state champion, with a perfect score in wildlife.

Charter School of Wilmington Team B placed second in the competition and received the $300 Ernest J. Zimmerman award for use towards a school project on environmental education. Polytech High School Team A won third place and received the $150 Dean Belt award. Polytech FFA received $100 for fourth place.

Each team member from the first place team was rewarded with a $3,000 per-year renewable academic scholarship from Wesley College and a $500 scholarship from the Delaware Envirothon. The winning team will also receive an award plaque for their school.

The state champions will now train for the 2012 Canon Envirothon at Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, Pa., from July 22-28.

For more information about the Delaware Envirothon, please contact Michelle Jacobs at 302- 535-7627.

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