Skelos Announces First Two-time "i*ma*green*nation" Winner From East Rockaway

On May 9^th, the New York State Senate held its 15^th annual "I*ma*GREEN*nation" celebration at the State Capitol in Albany. This year, New York State Senate Deputy Majority Leader Dean G. Skelos (R-Rockville Centre) was joined by fifth grade student Dana Fader from the Waverly Park School in East Rockaway. Dana earned a third place award for grades 4 and 5, in the literature category for her project. She is the first student within Senator Skelos’ district to win an "I*ma*GREEN*nation" award two years in a row.

"Dana did a wonderful job on her project, and I am extremely proud of her to have been selected two years in a row," said Senator Skelos. "All of our students who participated in the ‘I*ma*GREEN*nation’ program did a great job and I can’t wait to see what they come up with next year!"

The "I*ma*GREEN*nation" awards program was established to promote recycling and conservation and help develop environmental awareness among young people. Through this statewide competition, students in grades one through eight competed against their peers for presentation of ideas and solutions to the problem of solid waste reduction and encouraging recycling. Entries were judged for imagination, subject matter and creativity.

With more than 1,000 students traveling to Albany to attend the celebration, the students’ projects were displayed in "The Well" of the Legislative Office Building. Winners received award medals, certificates of accomplishment and spent the day with other "I*ma*GREEN*nation" participants. In addition, the festivities included a tour of the State Capitol building and goodie bags.

Dana was joined in Albany by her father, Jay Fader.

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