Friends of Hopewell Valley Open Space have announced six student winners from throughout the school district for the second annual EcoWarrior contest.
The organization is a non-profit land trust, that is dedicated to conserving the valley through preserving land and protecting natural resources, according to officials.
“I am continually impressed by the commitment of our students and thankful for the support of our community partners like FoHVOS.” said Hopewell Valley Regional School District Superintendent Thomas Smith. “Together, our school community is working hard to reduce our carbon footprint and improve our efficiencies and our students are leading by example. Their efforts are truly making a positive impact on our district.”
For the contest one student from each school was selected through a nomination by peers, teachers, and the community, as an EcoWarrior who is a role model for their environmentally friendly actions within the schools or the greater Hopewell community, according to FoHVOS officials.
The winners were recognized at the May 20 Hopewell Valley Regional School District Board of Education meeting.
EcoWarrior winners are Bear Tavern Elementary student Lila DeJessa, Hopewell Valley Central High school student Ashley Truesdell, Toll Gate Grammar School student Miranda Luther, Timberlane Middle School student Phoebe Gunn, Stony Brook Elementary School student James Betar Damron, and Hopewell Elementary School student Catherine Liese-Spencer.
“EcoWarrior is one of many initiatives of which the district has partnered with FoHVOS. We are thrilled that this enduring collaboration is provide meaningful opportunities for students to interact with and appreciate nature,” Smith said.
FoHVOS will plant a tree and has provided certificates in honor of each of the six winners.
The winners are also offered the opportunity to help plant their trees at the next semi- annual planting at a FoHVOS preserve this October. The organization will plant a tree of wild flowers in the local preserve, according to FoHVOS officials.
