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Young Leaders Recognized for Environmental, Community Impacts

Release Date: 04/20/2006
Contact Information: Enesta Jones, (202) 564-4355 / [email protected]

(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: epa.gov/enviroed/peya2005.html