CCSD Team Places in Statewide Environmental Competition

From left to right, Rheagan Murtadi, Emma Garcia, Ryan Kennedy, Zoe Goins and Alayna Roper. Not pictured: Jonathan Linville.

A Cherokee County School District team placed in a statewide environmental competition!

The Etowah High School team of Emma Garcia, Zoe Goins, Ryan Kennedy, Jonathan Linville, Rheagan Murtadi and Alayna Roper placed third overall in the Georgia Envirothon Contest, as well as first place in the event's wildlife competition. The team is coached by teacher Lara McDonald.

The annual competition gives high school teams, made up of four to six students, the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge in wildlife, forestry, aquatic ecology, soils and land use and current environmental issues. The competition includes written and hands-on tests and student presentations. The event not only tests students' knowledge in these areas, but also their critical thinking and problem solving skills.

The Georgia Envirothon Council, along with the Georgia Association of Conservation Districts, cooperating state agencies and Resource Conservation & Development Councils, present the annual event to engage students in the conservation of Georgia's natural resources.

"Congratulations on this state-level recognition in honor of successfully demonstrating your environmental science knowledge," Superintendent of Schools Dr. Brian V. Hightower said. "STEM learning is incredibly important to all of our students, and this event's encouragement of critical thinking and problem solving skills aligns with our school district's focus on higher level learning."

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