EMC Awards Presented to 5th graders

The Rockland County Division of Environmental Resources presented the annual Environmental Management Council (EMC) 5th Grade Creative Arts Contest winners Monday. EMC sponsors the contest to honor the memory of Eleanor Burlingham, who served as Chair for six years until 1991. Burlingham loved children and devoted 40 years to preserving Rockland County’s natural resources for future generations.

The theme of this year’s contest, “Helping Nature, Helping Us,” highlights the importance of the relationship between people and the natural world. Nature provides clean air, fresh water, and beautiful spaces to enjoy, but it also relies on human action to remain protected. The submissions received this year clearly reflect an understanding of this responsibility and a commitment to making a difference.

“This contest is a meaningful way for the County to collaborate with local schools and allow students to explore the vital relationship between people and the environment,” said County Executive Ed Day. “These students did a remarkable job recognizing that connection and showing, through their creative work, how each of us can take action to help nature as it helps us.”

The winners of this year’s contest are Teddy Fitzgerald and Abby Livington of Cottage Lane Elementary School, Kailie Mariscal of MacArthur Barr Middle School, Olivia Gutowski of Montebello Elementary School, and Sophia Garcia and Daryna Kopchak of Valley Cottage Elementary School.

“These students showed a clear understanding of how nature benefits us every day and how we must protect it,” said County Executive Day. “These winners not only honor Ms. Burlingham’s legacy by demonstrating an appreciation of the environment but also leave me proud to see the next generation’s deeply rooted commitment to the environment.”