The Bellefontaine High School Envirothon team placed first in the state in a recent virtual competition.
After placing in the top six in the district competition, they advanced to the state contest.
The team was made up of seniors Ben Sailors, Jacob Shell and Dustin VanBuskirk. Underclassman Evan Kauffman, Olivia Eader and Neil Kauffman rounded out the team.
The team was given a scenario and they were challenged to develop an environmental plan to address the scenario. They worked virtually as a team to complete the plan in a 24-hour period and presented their resulting ideas through a Zoom meeting to a team of judges.
Their score on the presentation was added to their previous score. As the best in state, they will each receive a $100 award and the school will receive $300 for a future environmental event.
Typically, they would proceed to the national Envirothon competition in Lincoln, Neb., but unfortunately that will not take place this year.
They were advised by science teacher Kristy Mount.
Envirothon is a competitive, academic, team event for high school students which tests their knowledge in five areas: Aquatic Ecology, Current Environmental Issues, Forestry, Soils and Wildlife.
The event is designed to stimulate and reinforce the students’ interest in our environment and our natural resources while encouraging cooperative decision making, team building, and problem solving. Envirothon is conducted by the Soil and Water Conservation District.