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District of Columbia & United States Department of Justice Announce Environmental Essay Contest

Monday, September 19, 2016

District students encouraged to celebrate the environment in creative writing

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, September 19, 2016 — Today, the District of Columbia’s Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) and the U.S. Department of Justice launched an environmental essay contest open to all sixth through eighth grade students in the District. The contest, in support of Mayor Muriel Bowser’s 202Creates citywide effort to showcase the District’s diverse and vibrant creative community, challenges students to address the following question in 300-500 words: What do you think is an important environmental issue facing the District, and how can you be part of the solution?

The deadline for entry is November 1, 2016. Entries will be reviewed by a panel of judges consisting of professionals in the fields of education and environment. Ten finalists will receive prizes, including solar backpacks, and will be recognized at an awards ceremony hosted by the Department of Justice on December 9, 2016 from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.

“Children in the District come in contact with the environment every day,” said DOEE Director Tommy Wells. “The goal of this contest is to challenge students to think critically and creatively about energy and the environment from air, water, and soil to sustainability and climate change—and the important roles they can play in creating solutions.”

The first ten teachers whose entire classes submit essays will receive up to $150 in classroom supplies and the opportunity for their classes to take boat tours of the Anacostia River. All students who submit essays will be invited to the awards ceremony.

For more information or to submit an essay, visit Environmental Essay Contest.

CONTACT: Julia Robey Christian, PIO, (202) 741-0842 desk, (202) 450-7878 cell, [email protected]