Downingtown East High School A won the 2013 Chester County Envirothon by winning three of the station events and posting the highest total score.

Second place went to Conestoga A and third place went to Avon Grove Charter School A in a stiff competition.

(Photo from left to right: Jim Gable, Pennsylvania American Water and Envirothon Champion Sponsor, Frank  Iacobucci Jr., Francis & Raymond Iacobucci Builders and Developers, Chester County Conservation District Associate Board Director, and Envirothon Champion Sponsor,  Christian E. Strohmaier, Chester County Conservation District Manager, Kathi Cozzone, Chester County Commissioner, Heather Cai, student, Geoffrey Cobb, student, Thaddeus J. Van Gilder, Downingtown East High School Envirothon Coach, Stephanie Gill, student, Melanie Klufas, student, Angela Cai, student, Robert Struble Jr., Brandywine Valley Association Watershed Conservation Director and Chester County Conservation District Board Director, Steve Fromnick, Chester County Facilities and Parks Executive Director, and Paul Hoffman, Pennsylvania American Water and  Envirothon Champion Sponsor.)

Downingtown East achieved top scores in Aquatics, Forestry, and Wildlife which gave them enough points to become the 2013 Champions and represent Chester County at the Pennsylvania Envirothon at Juniata College on May 21-22.  

Conestoga A attained the top score in the Current Issue: Grazing Livestock for Improved Herd Health and Land Management and Avon Grove Charter A secured the top score in the Soils Station.  Congratulations to this year’s senior champions!

At the Middle School level, West Fallowfield Christian School A won the title by posting the highest overall score.  They also achieved the highest score in Wildlife.  Penn’s Grove A was the overall second place winner and posted the highest score in Soils.  Lionville Middle School B secured third place overall in a close competition.

Fred S Engle A earned the top score in Aquatics and the Home School team posted the top score in Forestry as well as a perfect score in Current Issue!  Way to go Middle School!

The Elementary level competition consists of third through fifth graders.  This day provides a day of fun interaction and learning with top scores recognized for each environmental station. 

This year’s elementary winners were as follows:  Aquatics: Nottingham B; Forestry: East Coventry A and K D Markley B tied; Outdoor Safety: Schuylkill A; Wildlife: Nottingham C; and Current Issue: Greenwood A and Pocopson C tied with perfect scores!  Way to go Elementary Teams!

The Envirothon is sponsored and coordinated by the Chester County Conservation District in partnership with the Chester County Facilities and Parks.  Third through twelfth graders are able to compete in this two-day event at Hibernia County Park thanks to generous community sponsors who donated financially and contributed in-kind services. 

Numerous volunteers and guests participated throughout the event.  This includes teachers and parents who served as team coaches to professional scientists, conservationists, community business people, and educators who served as station judges.  Thank you to all of them for sharing their time and expertise with the students.   

Overall, 450 plus students tested their knowledge and awareness on environmental topics as family members attended to support and watch their students participate and enjoy the educational program. 

For more information on Envirothons statewide, visit the PA Envirothon website.

5/20/2013