News Article

Earlier this summer, Deer Lake’s Elwood High School Envirothon Team, Enviropedia, represented Newfoundland and Labrador in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, USA at the Canon Envirothon.
 
Over three days of intense competition, students demonstrated their knowledge and understanding of environmental topics in aquatics, wildlife, soils, forestry and current issues (non-point source pollution/low impact development).
 
“There were many opportunities for these students to interact with some of the brightest young minds across North America,” says Fred Pearson, teacher sponsor for the team. “This included the ‘Trading Session’ where many interesting souvenirs from across North America were exchanged, the ‘Fun Carnival (Knoebels)’session where new friendships were established, and socializing during the limited free time.”
 
The team had a very strong showing at the event, placing 23rd out of 54 teams in the oral presentation - their best showing in recent years.
 
“Our overall score was 42nd out of 54 teams which reflects continuous improvement over the last five years,” adds Oral Roberts, another Elwood teacher sponsor.
 
He says they also received positive feedback from presenters and industry experts.
 
“One could easily see from observing the students and listening to their conversations that the Envirothon was achieving its aims of increased awareness of our natural resources, environmental stewardship, leadership development, team work and public speaking skills,” continues Roberts. “The team came away from this event with a much better appreciation for pollution issues and remediation strategies related to the topic.”
 
College of the North Atlantic (CNA) provided support in a number of ways for the team.
 
“In terms of sponsorship we received funding and jackets for the past two years and were provided with expertise from Corner Brook campus through the Tourism and Natural Resources department,” says Roberts. “A number of instructors volunteered their time and expertise. Last year, five instructors spent the day with us and gave mini-sessions. This is something they have done for the past four years. It speaks to the partnership we’ve developed with CNA and their contribution is a big reason why we’re placing higher each year.”
 
“NL Envirothon exposes students to aspects of the natural world and natural resource management that they would not likely experience within the traditional education system,” says Peter Davison, stewardship and education coordinator with the Model Forest of Newfoundland and Labrador. “The focus on field skills, problem solving, team work and public speaking will assist students in becoming educated stewards of our environment.”
 
Davison says the team’s participation in the Canon Envirothon is very exciting for the students as it allows them to compete in North Americas’ largest environmental education competition.
 
“Their participation exposes them to habitats and environmental issues that differ from those found in our province. The experience broadens their perspective on how environmental issues can be resolved and they often come back with a deeper understanding of how fortunate we are to have an abundance of clean water, land and air.”
 
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Media Contact:
 
Glenda McCarthy
Public Relations Assistant
College of the North Atlantic
709.643.6408
glenda.mccarthy@cna.nl.ca