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Last Updated on Friday, 31 May 2024 16:11

Thomas Jefferson High School students won first place at the Allegheny County Envirothon on April 26, 2024, and will compete in the statewide environmental competition in Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania.

Pictured is TJ's winning team, including advisors (photo courtesy ACCD)

Allegheny County Conservation District (ACCD) hosted 135 high school students representing 11 school districts at the annual competition at North Park.

The winning team includes Reagan Sanderson, Lukeman El-Hajj, Hunter Houk, Kamryn Mull and Connor McCann. Thomas Jefferson teachers Dan Giger and Brian McClain are the advisors.

Every winning student received a scholarship for academic pursuits following high school funded with support from event sponsors.

"When students participate in Envirothon, they elevate their career readiness, gain valuable professional experience before graduating and are empowered to become action-oriented citizens," said Hayly Hoch Natural Resource Outreach Educator. "The Allegheny County Envirothon is only possible with the contributions of our sponsors who made this experience memorable for 135 outstanding students."

Envirothon is the largest environmental education competition in North America aimed at engaging local youth in natural resource conservation learning and stewardship challenges. This hands-on academic competition requires months of study and teamwork on five subject areas: soils/land use, wildlife, aquatic ecology, forestry and current issues.

Envirothon provides exposure to environmental career pathways through partnerships with the Pa. Fish and Boat Commission, Pa. Game Commission and the Allegheny County Parks Department.

“Today’s participating youth go on to become tomorrow’s leaders. Our aim is to move students beyond classroom learning and motivate them to meet the environmental challenges of the future. We encourage them to continue learning, take action in their own communities and pursue further education in environmental fields,” said Executive Director Heather Manzo.