Kudos to these Fulton High School studentst for winning the 2017 Envirothon competition for Northwest Illinois Land Use Council #1 (of Stephenson, Carroll, Lee, and Whiteside Counties), held Tuesday, March 7, 2017, at Highland Community College Student Center, Freeport, IL. Left-to-right are Carolyn Graham, Faith VanKampen, Pierre Mure-Ravaud, Larson Barnett, and Jarek Leonhardt.
The Land Use Council #1 Envirothon is an annual natural resources education program that is planned, organized, and promoted by local Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD.) The event is for high school students and emphasizes on hands-on and team oriented problem-solving skills.
Teams tested their knowledge in forestry, soils, aquatics, wildlife, and the 2017 current issue Agricultural Soil and Water Conservation Stewardship. Each member from the first place team is eligible to receive a $500 scholarship, upon completion of their first semester of post-secondary education.
The Fulton High School team was guided by advisors Jen Pepper and Stacy Gates. Fulton team’s win will take them downstate to the Illinois competition on Wednesday, April 26, through Thursday, April 27, at Allerton Park near Monticello, IL.
West Carroll Team #1 took second place, and Fulton Team #2 took third place in the competition. Pearl City, IL, comprised of all FFA team members, will go to the State competition for one day, as the FFA representatives from Land Use Council #1.
We would also like to take the opportunity to say “Thank you” to the generous sponsors. Without the sponsors, we would not be able to give the students the chance to participate in such a great event. The event sponsors include:
- Carroll County–Carroll Service Company and Jo-Carroll Energy
- Lee County: 1st National Bank in Amboy
- Stephenson County: Stephenson County Farm Bureau, Pearl City Elevator, and Stephenson Service Company
- Whiteside County: Pheasants Forever Chapter #811, Wahl Clipper Corporation, and Whiteside County Natural Area Guardians.
The scholarship sponsors include: American Piping Group and NWTF Big Bend Long Beards, and Northwest IL Blackhawk Hills Regional Council. Thanks again to all the sponsors.
Donations were also given by Mt. Carroll, IL, Dairy Queen and Casey’s for prizes for the top three winning teams. The donations are all greatly appreciated; thank you.
Congratulations to the winning teams and good luck to Fulton #1 at the State competition!