COLUMBIA, SC - The entry deadline for the S. C. Department of Health and Environmental Control's Champions of the Environment’s Environmental Awareness Middle School Competition is March 14.

“The Environmental Awareness Middle School Competition is a great way for South Carolina’s sixth, seventh and eighth grade students to show off their creativity and environmental knowledge,” said Lynne LaSalle, coordinator for the Champions of the Environment program.

According to LaSalle, “Taking Care of the Land, Water and Air” is this year’s theme. Students may submit entries in the photo, poster, essay or public service announcement divisions. All entrants will receive a certificate of participation.

“First through third place in each division are awarded U.S. Savings bonds ranging from $300 to $100,” LaSalle said. “All winners will be recognized at the Champions of the Environment year-end Celebration to be held May 1 at the South Carolina State Museum.”

For more information on the competition, visit the Champions Web site at: http://www.scdhec.gov/champions, call LaSalle at (803) 898-4394, or email her at: lasallli@dhec.sc.gov.

The Champions of the Environment program recognizes and rewards students and teams who are protecting the environment and sharing environmental knowledge. The program is supported by Eastman Chemical Company, International Paper, WIS-TV and DHEC.

Champions of the Environment wants South Carolina’s young people to learn about and protect the natural world. So each year, Champions awards more than $10,000 to K-12 students and teachers for environmental action and awareness projects. Maybe you will be the next Champion of the Environment.

There are 2 ways to become a Champion:

• The Grant Award Program rewards projects that help the environment. South Carolina's K-12 students, teachers and environmental educators can apply to win $500. Grant winners compete to be named Overall Champions of the Environment and win a larger cash prize at the end of the school year.
  New for 2007-2008: Grants will be awarded in October and February.
  
• The Environmental Awareness Middle School Competition rewards student creativity and environmental knowledge. This event is for students in sixth, seventh and eighth grade. First through third place winners Winners receive U.S. Savings Bonds.

Pictured: West Ashley High School, 2007 Overall Champions of the Environment and winners of $2,500.