Over 1,100 students in grades K through 12 across the Commonwealth tapped into their creativity and designed posters that spread the word about the importance of renewable energy.

Sponsored by the Pennsylvania Waste Industries Association, this statewide poster contest themed “Green Energy ... It's Energizing PA!” challenged students to highlight the importance of renewable energy, specifically green energy that is produced by converting landfill gas into usable energy. Pennsylvania is recognized as a national leader in building a new future with green energy.

"We were amazed by the amount of entries we received," said Tim O'Donnell, PWIA president. "It is essential to educate our youth about the benefits of green energy, and PWIA is proud to have sponsored this contest."

Entries were divided into three categories -- elementary (K-6th grade), middle (7th-9th grade) and high school (10th-12th grade). First, second and third place winners were chosen in each category. Each winner received a cash prize from PWIA.

2007 Renewable Energy Poster Contest winners were:

First Place

· Nina Fleegle, 11th grade, Wallenpaupack Area High School, Hawley

· Courtney Langensiepen, 8th grade, Great Commission Schools, Altoona

· Rachel Bauer, 4th grade, S. St. Marys Area Elementary School, St. Marys

Second Place

· Matt Livingston, 12th grade, Greater Johnstown Career and Tech Center, Johnstown

· Christopher Phillips, 8th grade, Ridley Middle School, Ridley Park

· Christopher Blake, 6th grade, Lower Dauphin Middle School, Hummelstown

Third Place

· Kelsey Mertens, 10th grade, Hopewell High School, Aliquippa

· Monica Valtin, 8th grade, JT Lambert Intermediate School, East Stroudsburg

· Jenna Shumar, 5th grade, Central Elementary School, East Millsboro

Winning entries will be displayed in the artist's hometown and can be viewed at PWIA's Website.

10/26/2007