FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (2-10-06 )
Contact: Dana Putnam, PR/Events Coordinator
Phone: 706-828-2109

SOUTHEASTERN NATURAL SCIENCES ACADEMY ’S CREEK FREAKS WIN SECOND NATIONAL AWARD: PRESIDENT’S ENVIRONMENTAL YOUTH AWARD

Southeastern Natural Sciences Academy’s Creek Freaks have been named winners of the President’s Environmental Youth Award. The Creek Freaks will represent Region 4 (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee) in Washington, DC with winners from the Environmental Protection Agency’s ten national regions. Plans are underway for a ceremony, tour, and possible meetings with congressmen and the President of the United States this spring.

Named by enthusiastic members, the “Creek Freaks” are an Adopt-A-Stream science club dedicated to the health of Butler Creek in Augusta, GA. The club has gone beyond stream monitoring to advanced stream clean-up and restoration. Also winners of the national 2004 Take Pride in America Award, the Creek Freaks continue to create momentum for environmental stewardship.

The President’s Environmental Youth Award application was judged on significant criteria including positive environmental impact on local community and society, environmental need for project, innovation, and accomplishment of goals. Three Creek Freaks contributed essays that were included in the application: John Hughes (home school), Madeline Wible (Lakeside Middle School), and Allegra Yeley (John S. Davidson Magnet School). Excerpts below:

“Without clean creeks, rivers, lakes and oceans, we will not last long on this planet; so I know we are making a difference one creek at a time.” –Madeline Wible, 12

 “In my time with the Creek Freaks, I have gained a deeper understanding of the environment [that] I will find…useful over a lifetime of caring for our planet.” –John Hughes, 16

 “When a reporter once asked me why I was planting trees instead of hanging out at the mall, I did my best to dispel the misconception that teenagers are only interested in their small world. Through our dedicated involvement in the Creek Freaks, we demonstrate that teens are interested in preserving fragile habitats and ecosystems that are so critical to the health of the environment and our long-term future.”—Allegra Yeley, 16

Who are the Creek Freaks?
Creek Freaks members are: Emily Connell (Lakeside Middle School), James Demons, Jr. (home school), John Hughes (home school), John Minor (Evans Middle School), Terika Moore (home school), Christopher Newell (Wagener Salley High School), Billy Spurlin (Harlem High School), Ross Whitehorne (Richmond Academy), Madeline Wible (Lakeside Middle School), Allegra Yeley (John S. Davidson Magnet School). Academy staff and volunteers assisting the Creek Freaks include: Ruth Mead (Academy Education Specialist), Crystal Eskola, Dane Scarff, Lois Stacy, and Anita Wylds (volunteers).

What is Southeastern Natural Sciences Academy ?
Southeastern Natural Sciences Academy is a nonprofit 501 (c) 3 organization with a mission to promote environmental stewardship through education, research, and outreach programs. 2006 marks the Academy’s ten year anniversary of its commitment to environmental stewardship in the CSRA and the region.

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