Student environmental competition open to first through eighth-graders

The deadline has been set for the 17th annual I*MA*GREEN*NATION Celebration, a statewide competition that encourages student awareness of environmental issues.

Schools participating in the competition must register by March 7, and the entry deadline is March 30.

The Senate-sponsored competition is open to students in grades one through eight, and Sen. Mary Lou Rath, R-Williamsville, encourages students in the 61st District to participate.

"Our community has always been well-represented in past competitions, and I am sure that this year will be no exception," she said. "I look forward to seeing the creative ideas of our young people to address the pressing issue of creating a cleaner environment."

Last year more than 600 projects were submitted, and more than 1,200 students and teachers traveled to Albany to participate in competition events.

This year's awards presentation will be held May 20 in Albany, where winners will receive award medals, view the submissions from around the state and tour state government.

"I*MA*GREEN*NATION encourages young people to take an interest in their environment and to use their imaginations and creativity to identify challenges that face our community and offer their own insights on possible solutions," Rath said.

For registration forms and information, call 633-0331 or 1-800-597-3517.