Elementary School Division
John Christopherson's Second Grade Class at Van Hise Elementary School
John Christopherson's Van Hise second-graders wrote and recorded "The Pollution Solution," which is available on a CD at the Green Concierge Travel booth (#1134). Donations for the CD are appreciated, and proceeds go to reconstruction efforts in Greensburg, Kansas, which is being rebuilt completely green after being devasted by a tornado last year.
Middle School Division
Mariel Ma and Carolyn Baum: Global Warming Video
Mariel Ma, 12, and Carolyn Baum, 13, are students of Thomas Jefferson Middle School teacher Karen Schultz. The girls produced a video on global warming, which outlines what causes the phenomenon, with visual descriptions, and offers examples of alternative energy sources. Mariel and Carolyn included interviews conducted at a shopping mall, gathering a variety of people's thoughts and ideas about climate change and what to do about it.
High School Division
Sydney Cook, Caroline Somsen and Chris Denu: Bicycles Are McFarland's Future
Top Prize / Kids
Sydney Cook, 18, Caroline Somsen, 18, and Chris Denu, 17, are seniors at McFarland High School and students in Jeff Kunkle's English class. They developed a program called "Bicycles Are McFarland's Future" to encourage fellow students to get out of their cars and bike to school. Their slogan, "Not just for elementary schoolers anymore," is meant to promote biking to school as cool. The program includes incentives such as T-shirts, preferential parking (bike racks get the best spots in the school lot), and biker reward days, with prizes such as a free dessert at lunch.
Adult Individual Division
Barb Halverson: Recycling Crafts
Barb Halverson creates artwork out of materials that would normally end up in the landfill. She turns various throwaway items into vases, flower pots, decorative candles and other little gadgets that can make life easier. Her pop-bottle charms, for instance, made from the plastic circles that bind together six-packs, are a fun way to keep track of your beer bottle at a party. Barb's goal is to inspire others to also find creative ways to repurpose all sorts of stuff, instead of just throwing it away.
Adult Group Division
Madeline Hartjes and Isabella Lau: Madison Earth Center
Top Prize / Adult
UW-Madison juniors Madeline Hartjes and Isabella Lau are working to create the Madison Earth Center, where "environmental education can transform into local action." The project starts with an empty basement, which they have secured, to be kept open and free for groups to meet to discuss environmental issues, and to host activities. Madeline and Isabella submitted a supporting video, where they thoughtfully discuss the environmental values of the Madison community and their vision for this central location where people can meet, talk and learn. Their video includes a tour of the meeting space, with a description of what it will become.
Family Division
Bangert Boys: Solar-Powered Lawn & Garden Care
Andrew Bangert and his sons, Dylan and Derek, developed a quiet, ecological way to maintain their "urban lawn." They have rigged their lawn mowers and trimmer for energy-efficient recharging via a solar panel mounted on their roof.
Prizes for Get Green Challenge participants will be awarded at Isthmus Green Day.
Kids Division Winners, Noon, Stage Two
Adult Division Winners,1:30 PM, Stage one
