Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Director Lisa Bonnett honored a group of distinguished fifth- and sixth-grade students selected for their creative skills used to express environmental awareness, as part of the Agency’s 28th Annual Poster, Poetry and Prose Contest. The writers and artists selected from throughout Illinois were recognized at a reception in the Old State Capitol building in downtown Springfield. Through the Poster, Poetry and Prose Contest, fifth- and sixth-grade educators are provided with a theme and resources to discuss in the classroom. Students are then given an opportunity to express and share what they have learned through the creation of posters and written works. This year’s theme, Transportation and Air Pollution … What Are the Green Solutions?, focused on the importance of understanding green transportation, how it relates to air quality, and the cleaner, more sustainable options for transportation.

“This year’s theme challenged students to look at the cleaner options available in the transportation sector, something we all rely on daily,” said Director Bonnett. “Through this program, we hope to encourage these young minds to be active in creating a healthy environment.”

Poetry/Prose Top Award Winners

Emily Hwang, Old St. Mary’s School, Chicago

Caroline Keefe, Immaculate Conception School, Columbia

Alexandra Lapinski, Washington School, Glenview

Ali Patel, Daarul Uloom Islamic School, Peoria

Isabella Rosinia, Old St. Mary’s School, Chicago

Jana Serrano, Prince of Peace, Lake Villa

Posters Top Award Winners

Nicole Annella, St. Cletus School, La Grange

Andy Brown, Countryside School, Champaign

Grace Kahler, Countryside School, Champaign

Christopher Miller, Washington School, Glenview

Prapti Patel, Washington School, Glenview

Allison Stover, Prince of Peace, Lake Villa

A panel of representatives from the Illinois EPA judged all entries and selected the finalists, whose entries were then judged by an outside panel of authorities, to determine the top 12 winners.

The students, their families, and teachers have been invited to the reception at which the top 12 and honorable mention winners will receive environmental reference books for their school libraries. The winners, along with all finalists, also received certificates and ribbons for their creative efforts. A complete listing of winners, including Special Recognition recipients, will be on the Illinois EPA web site at:  www.epa.illinois.gov. In addition to the award, tours of the Old State Capitol were given to winners before and after the awards ceremony.

Winning entries will be on exhibit in the atrium at Illinois EPA’s headquarters in Springfield through May 18; the top 12 entries will also be featured on the Illinois EPA’s website