FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 31, 2008
Lexington’s Lake Murray Elementary School named Champion of the Environment
COLUMBIA – Lake Murray Elementary School in Lexington has been named a Champion of the Environment for student efforts to educate nearby residents about the benefits of wetlands, the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control announced today.
“While engaged in long-term water quality monitoring of a stream on their school’s campus, two fifth grade classes became concerned about how development in a nearby subdivision could have negative effects on a bordering wetland,” said Lynne LaSalle, coordinator for Champions of the Environment.
LaSalle said the $500 grant awarded to the school would fund student-designed signs and brochures about wetland ecology and how to protect these vital habitats. In addition to the grant, these Champions of the Environment will also receive Champions giveaway items, and a commercial about the project will be aired on WCSC-TV in Charleston and WIS-TV in Columbia.
“I am impressed with the students’ understanding of the ecological importance of wetland habitats,” LaSalle said. “I applaud their desire to protect water quality by protecting their local wetland area.”
Champions of the Environment is celebrating its 15th year of rewarding environmental action and awareness in South Carolina’s kindergarten through 12th grade students. Champions is sponsored by DHEC, International Paper, Eastman Chemical Company, WCSC-TV and WIS-TV. Ten grants are awarded during the school year over two grant cycles. Applications for Champions’ next round of grants are due September 15.
For more information, visit the Champions Web site at: http://www.scdhec.gov/champions, or call LaSalle at (803) 898-4394.
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For more information:
Adam Myrick – (803) 898-3884
E-mail – myrickar@dhec.sc.gov
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