submitted by Erin Clary, Communications Specialist, BCS District
On May 7 two high school and one middle school teams from the Berlin CSD competed in the 2014 Capital Regional Envirothon competition at the New York State Power Authority’s Visitor Center at Lansing Manor in Blenheim, NY. One Berlin High School team won the competition for Rensselaer County and will advance to the State competition to be held May 21-22 at Morrisville State College.
This team based academic competition tested high school students on their knowledge and consensus decision making in five areas: aquatics, wildlife, forestry, soils and current issues like sustainable agriculture.
The advancing team consists of Rachel Barnum, James Mayer, Cullen O’Brien, Colleen Reichelt and Cheyenne Seel.
“Once again our Berlin students amaze me,” said Berlin CSD Superintendent Dr. Steven Young. “The Berlin High School has been recognized for the third year in a row as Rensselaer County champs. I am very proud of our students and teachers and the students’ dedication to learning about their environment. I hope the tradition continues well into the future as the team of middle school students continue to learn and take advantage of the science courses being offered in Berlin. This competition goes to show that students not only have book knowledge but also have the practical experience of identifying species of plants and animals in their own backyards.”
Students practiced and studied for months leading up to the competition, using their knowledge from Grade 7 Science to identify trees and animals, and High School Living Environment and Earth Science.
According to veteran coach Audrey Vanderhoef, students also prepared by learning from others, including community members, parents in the forestry industry, farmer and government agency employees.
“You can’t just show up to this thing and expect to win. You have to study, and you have to love it,” said Vanderhoef.
“Everyone is so proud of them, and it’s a great way for these kids to get out and be ambassadors for our county and for Berlin.”
Vanderhoef said the competition encourages students to learn about important conservation techniques.
“So many people keep talking about technology and education, but we also need to teach citizen science skills like these,” she said. “These kids are our future, and they need to know how to protect the environment for themselves and their children.”
