New Westminster – New Westminster Mayor and Council were on hand last night as three local students were awarded prizes for their submissions to the 2009 Environmental Poster Contest. The City, in collaboration with School District #40 Student Services Department and GreenLearning Canada, sponsored the contest which allowed grades 5 and 6 students to express their environmentally-related learning experiences. In total, 170 entries were received from five schools in the district.

The theme of this year’s poster contest was energy conservation, titled: “Energy: Save Today for Tomorrow”. Alexis Landsiedel of Queensborough Middle School won first place and received a gift certificate from Cap’s Bicycle Shop and an earth ball for her class. Diana Djaksigulova of John Robson Elementary School won second prize, receiving an eco-charge crank radio and small earth ball for her class for her efforts. Third place went to Solana Vanegas-Goldfeldt of Richard McBride Elementary School. Solana received an eco-friendly LED flashlight and small earth ball for her class.

“The response to this year’s poster contest was just fantastic and the artwork submitted was very impressive,” said Mayor Wayne Wright. “All participants clearly put a lot of effort into their posters and deserve a big congratulations for their work.”

This year’s contest also asked district classrooms to submit banner entries demonstrating how citizens can save energy. Mrs. Kim’s class from Richard McBride Elementary School won in this category, receiving a large earth ball, solar car kits for all class members and a BC Hydro prize pack for the teacher.

“Through their artwork, students demonstrated their visions and willingness to change their energy habits in powerful ways”, says Johan Stroman, BC Director of GreenLearning. “These kinds of hopeful and empowered perspectives are what we need to meet the challenge of climate change. GreenLearning supports meaningful student learning through activities that encourage deeper understanding and personal action. We are happy to support New Westminster’s initiative and welcome interested educators to learn more about our resources at www.greenlearning.ca”

A selection of poster contest submissions will be displayed in the main foyer of City Hall until next week.

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Contact:
Jennifer Lukianchuk, Environmental Coordinator
City of New Westminster
604-515-3780