Champion of
the environment
Local student wins second place in statewide competition
By RICHARD WALKER Saturday, May 09, 2009
T&D Staff Writer
An
Orangeburg teen has placed in an annual statewide contest aimed at increasing earth-friendly awareness among tomorrow's generation.
Connor Whisenhunt, 13, won second place for his entry in the Environmental Awareness Essay and Poster Competition, sponsored by Champions of the Environment of the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control.
"I am excited and happy to have won second place with my poster," Whisenhunt said.
According to a release, the competition prompts South Carolina's sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students to critically consider the environment and man's impact on the natural world, and to share their thoughts creatively.
Whisenhunt is a seventh-grader at Carver-Edisto Middle School. He is the son of Steve and Joni Whisenhunt.
This year's theme, "What Being Green Means to Me," drew more than 900 entries, including 171 posters for the poster competition. Thirty-four schools from across the state participated.
The Orangeburg teen's winning poster offered simple suggestions that most anyone could employ in an effort to care for the health of the planet, such as turning off lights when not in use, recycling aluminum and plastic, and planting a garden. Each suggestion was then explained as to how it will prolong the life of the Earth.
Animated illustrations of each earth-saving activity rounded out the entry.
The Eco Clubs of Lowcountry Day School in Pawleys Island were named 2009 overall Champions of the Environment for their project of turning a neglected storm water pond on the edge of campus into an outdoor classroom for the community.
Dixie Headden of Cordova described her grandson as an "exceptional young man" excelling not only in school but outside of the classroom, as well.
"We love Connor and are so very proud to have our grandson recognized for this state honor," Headden said. "We're happy Connor is a good example of the upcoming generation and look forward to an outstanding future for him."
The program is in its 16th year of promoting environmental education by rewarding students and teachers for their efforts to improve and protect South Carolina's environment.
As a result of his placing second, Whisenhunt was awarded $100, which was promptly put to use.
"I used the money I won to buy some baseball stuff," he said.
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T&D Staff Writer Richard Walker can be reached by e-mail at rwalker@timesanddemocrat.com or by telephone at 803-533-5516. Discuss this and other stories on-line at TheTandD.com.
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