Press Release

April 12, 1999

For Immediate Release

PLACE MIDDLE SCHOOL CLUB TO RECEIVE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD APRIL 15

Place Middle School's South Platte River Club and Earth Force has won the Presidential Environmental Youth Award. Vice President Al Gore will present the award to club members Thursday, April 15, at the White House.

The club, called Tiger Team, was nominated and selected for the presidential award because of the club's active participation in environmental community service. Activities have included the planning and construction of an Outdoor Classroom for the school and organizing an annual three-day Outdoor Adventure for 600 area elementary students. The group also cleaned and restored portions of the banks of Cherry Creek. The students have combined service learning experiences with the practical application of environmental education and life science and hands-on solving of environmental problems.

The efforts of the student clubs has been supported by Club Denver, Colorado and U.S. Forestry Services, Common Grounds, Denver Health Department, Denver Parks Forestry Department, Denver Urban Resources Partnership, Division of Wildlife and Earth Force.

Club sponsor Pattyanne Corsentino said the club has provided an opportunity to learn valuable leadership and community service skills. The students in Tiger Team "love to be doing something for others and sharing their excitement about the natural world around them," she said.

Students who will represent Place at the awards ceremony include Tom Bush, Abbey Farrand, Haley Isburg, Amber Kilpatrick, Katie Leper, Matt Mogg, Erin Moran, Kristin Tafoya, D.J. Tisdale and Yan Ling Yu.

Place has also been selected as the National Educational Category Winner of the National Arbor Day Award for its continued involvement with environmental activities. Place Principal Linda Johnson and Corsentino will travel to Nebraska City, Nebraska, to receive the award May 1.

Mayor Wellington Webb also honored the students for their contributions to the science community. He declared April 1 Place Middle School Tiger Team day and met with club members.