Skelos Invites Students To Join In Environmental Competition

State Senator Dean G. Skelos (R-Rockville Centre) today encouraged local students to participate in the 15th Annual "I*MA*GREEN*NATION" Celebration, a statewide competition that encourages student awareness of pressing environmental issues that affect the global, national and local community. The competition is very conscious of the continued promotion for waste reduction, the importance of recycling and the use for cleaner and better forms of energy.

The Senate-sponsored competition is open to students in Grades one through eight, and includes an awards presentation at the State Capitol in Albany on Tuesday, May 9, 2006, where winners will receive award medals, view submissions made by fellow students from across the state and have the opportunity to tour the seat of state government.

"‘I*MA*GREEN*NATION’ encourages young students to take a growing interest in their environment and allows them to use their creativity, ingenuity, and imagination to identify the challenging threats towards the environment and our community. The students are allowed to offer their own insight on possible solutions," said Senator Skelos.

With more than 1,000 students traveling to Albany to attend the celebration last year, 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, a reception for students, teachers and parents, numerous environmental displays, giveaways, photographers and live music.

"This is a challenging and fun opportunity for students and a great experience to learn about ways that they can have an impact on making New York a cleaner, greener state," said Senator Skelos.

Senator Skelos has mailed registration materials to every elementary and middle school in the Ninth Senate District. Schools wishing to participate in this year’s event must register by February 28th, 2006. The entry deadline is March 29th, 2006.

"Our community has always been well-represented in past competitions and I am sure that this year will be no exception," said Senator Skelos. "I look forward to seeing the creative ideas of our young people address the pressing issues of keeping a cleaner, long standing environment."

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