COLUMBIA – A project to reduce the environmental footprint of students and their families has earned Forest Heights Elementary School recognition from Champions of the Environment, the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control announced today.
“The ‘My! What Big Feet You Have’ project involves fourth and fifth grade students of the Forest Heights’ Science Club Environmental Workgroup,” said Lynne LaSalle, coordinator for Champions of the Environment. “These students will learn about environmental issues and then teach their community ways to modify their behavior to benefit the wellness of the environment.
“The group plans to use the $500 grant from Champions of the Environment to prepare print and multimedia presentations of its message and to plan and carry out an Eco Fest for the Forest Heights community,” she said.
LaSalle said that behavior changes in the community resulting from the student’s efforts would have a positive effect on the environment.
In addition to the $500 grant, these Champions of the Environment will receive Champions’ giveaway items and a commercial will be made about the project to air on WIS-TV, Columbia and WCSC-TV, Charleston.
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.