Bakersfield High School Students Win Presidential Environmental Award / Autistic Students Educate Local Schools on Solar Energy (CA)
(05/09/11) BAKERSFIELD –
Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency honored the
Bakersfield, Calif., Independence High School Falcon Autistic Solar
Team (FAST) with this year’s President’s Environmental
Youth Award in recognition for promoting environmental
awareness.
FAST members are special needs students
who travel to neighboring schools to promote the benefits and uses
of sunlight as a power source. The team uses model solar-powered
cars, a house, and a Ferris wheel to demonstrate various uses of
solar energy. In addition, these presentations provide an
opportunity for these autistic students to work on socialization
and science skills while advancing environmental
goals.
“These winners have made
protecting our environment an everyday commitment,” said
Steven John, Director of EPA’s Los Angeles Office.
“Their enthusiasm and dedication to the education of green
energy to other students is an inspiration for future generation of
environmental leaders”
The FAST members include Royce Fenwick,
Kayley Donovan, Erik Mahar, Michael Galarza, Jason Mora, and Jose
Rodriguez. The team was sponsored by Independence High School
teachers Kevin Crosby and Tim Horton.
Winners were selected from 13
applications submitted nationwide to EPA’s 10 regional
offices, and were evaluated on environmental need, accomplishments
of goals, long-term environmental benefits and positive impact on
local communities. Each member of the team is to receive a
certificate signed by the President honoring them for their efforts
to protect human health and the environment.
Since 1971, the EPA has sponsored the
President’s Environmental Youth Awards to honor students in
kindergarten through twelfth grade who develop innovative
environmental projects.
For more information about the
President’s Environmental Youth Award, please visit: http://www.epa.gov/peya
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