Dearborn, MI - Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI15) is pleased to announce that students at some local classrooms will join him for a tour of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge on Friday, May 29.  The students are all classmates of the three talented writers whose outstanding essays were selected from among more than 60 essays submitted by students in sixth, seventh and eighth grade science classes throughout the 15th District.

The students selected for their terrific work and their schools are as follows:

Megan Lickliter, Renton Junior High, New Boston, MI         
Jessica Ziegler, Renton Junior High, New Boston, MI                                                                                    
Samuel Snyder, Monroe Middle School, Monroe, MI

The students were asked to prepare an essay of 500 words or less explaining why conservation and the environment is so important to both them and their communities.  Students were also asked to describe what role they believe they should play in protecting the Earth for future generations.

“I was moved by both the number of young people that participated and the quality of their work,” the Congressman said. “I have spent a lifetime talking about conservation and these fresh new voices are a crucial part of that conversation.  No one will be more impacted by the efforts we make today to protect our planet than these young students.  I am pleased to see that so many kids are already aware of the importance of this issue and, more importantly, are moved to act on it.”

Lisa Cole, the teacher of the classroom from Monroe Middle School, said about the contest: “The students in my class are really into nature.  Congressman Dingell’s essay competition was the perfect opportunity for them to express their concerns for their environment and to urge their fellow students to take action.  They were very enthusiastic about this assignment!”

Renton Junior High School teachers Eileen Wilson and Sarah Potrzebowski added: “The students at Renton Junior High are working towards promoting awareness of conservation through our curriculum and also small changes with our building.  We celebrated Earth Day, participate in a school wide paper recycling program and are working toward better conservation of resources in our cafeteria.

“Participating in and winning this essay contest helped bring a better understanding of these concepts in a real-world situation.  We are proud of all of the students that participated and of their accomplishments.  Both classes are looking forward to the field trip to the International Wildlife Refuge.”

The Congressman is particularly proud of the establishment of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge.  The Refuge is one of the only urban refuges in the country, and it is the only one that spans an international border.