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EPA SEEKS NOMINATIONS FOR PRESIDENT’S ENVIRONMENTAL YOUTH AWARDS

Release Date: 08/06/1999
Contact Information: Dawn Harris, EPA Press and Media Relations, 404-562-8421

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is soliciting applications for the annual President's Environmental Youth Awards (PEYA) program. The Regional Award is open to students in grades kindergarten though 12 within the Southeast. Judging criteria for this review includes: Environmental need and appropriateness, accomplishment of goals, long-term impact, extent of youth's initiative, involvement of others, soundness of approach, clarity of presentation, and innovation. Ten winners, representing each EPA Regional Office, will receive an expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. to receive their awards during a White House ceremony.

"The President's Environmental Youth Award Program, gives young people an excellent opportunity to become involved in environmental protection," said John H. Hankinson, Jr., EPA Regional Administrator in Atlanta. "Participation in the program may be the beginning of a lifetime of continued environmental awareness."

Established in 1990, the PEYA Program encourages kids to learn about their environment and create strategies for improving their community's public and environmental health. Projects compete regionally and nationally and are judged by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on impacts, benefits, how environmental needs were met and other criteria. PEYA encourages student participation in community projects that have positive environmental impacts and involvement in environmental issues. At the end of each project year, July 31, 1999, the applications are reviewed to select a regional winner and runners-up. The national award winners are selected by the Regional Offices and their recognition program is administered by EPA Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Project applications must be received by July 31, 1999 and should be addressed to Alice Chastain, Environmental Education Coordinator, U.S. EPA Region 4, 11th Floor, 61 Forsyth St., S.W., Atlanta, Georgia 30303.