The Lorax inspires door decorating contest at Owsley County Elementary
April 24, 2012 by clackey
Owsley County Elementary School students accepted the PRIDE Environmental Education Project of the Month Award on April 19, 2012. On the left are Jennifer Johnson, PRIDE; Megan Lakes, OCES PRIDE Club Sponsor; and (kneeling) Sandy Gay, Owsley County Conservation District. On the right are Principal Stephen Gabbard and Glen Baker.
Owsley County Elementary School won the PRIDE Environmental Education Project of the Month Award for its contest to decorate classroom doors with a recycling theme.
The contest was one of the school’s projects for Read Across America Day, a national campaign that commemorates the birthday of Dr. Seuss (March 2) by motivating young people to read. This year, the school’s projects centered on The Lorax, building on the excitement generated by the recent movie based on the Dr. Seuss book about protecting natural resources.
The doors were judged in four categories, based on grade levels. The contest winners were: Ms. Barbara/Ms. Betsy’s class, Head Start; Michelle Turner’s homeroom, grades K-1; Kim Reed’s homeroom, grades 2-3; and Holly Shouse’s homeroom, grades 4-6.
“School participation was high, and the competition was stiff,” said Megan Lakes, the OCES teacher who nominated the project for the PRIDE award.
“This friendly competition was a fun, memorable way to get students excited about recycling,” said PRIDE’s Jennifer Johnson, who presented the award at OCES on April 19. “The project extended beyond the walls of the school when students talked about the contest with their families and shared a positive message about recycling.”
“The popularity of The Lorax movie created the perfect opportunity to talk with students about why and how to care for our environment,” Johnson said. “I commend Ms. Lakes and the rest of the OCES team for using this door-decorating contest to focus that excitement into a hands-on learning activity.”
Lakes spearheaded the contest in her role as sponsor of the school’s PRIDE Club, which explores environmental issues and performs community service. The club is funded in part by $1,500 awarded to the school by PRIDE for environmental education activities this year.
The Owsley County Conservation District sponsored the contest rewards. The Owsley County Conservation District, Owsley County Farm Service Agency and Owsley County Extension Service judged the contest.
The PRIDE Environmental Education Project of the Month program rewards creative, effective ways of promoting environmental awareness and stewardship.
“We give awards to thank people and to showcase the great things going on in our region, so please contact us if you want to nominate a person, school, business or organization that is helping our environment or inspiring others to care for nature,” Johnson said. “Our toll-free number is 888-577-4339, or you can contact us through our web site.”
Click here for recycling resources.
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