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Michael Anderson Elementary celebrates environmental awareness

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Joshua Chapman
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  As the concept of global warming continues to captivate the attention of the world, Michael Anderson Elementary focuses on teaching children steps in solving the problem, one can at a time.

Children at Michael Anderson are leading the charge in reducing unnecessary waste. This month the children continued a tradition of giving back through a competitive recycling contest.

Students were asked to collect recyclable material and turn it into the school by May 3. The outcome was remarkable.

As a combined force of about 630 students, the school collected a total of 3,652 pounds of recyclables -- nearly 1,700 pounds over last year's mark, accounting for a 47-percent increase in material.

In perspective, 3,652 pounds is the weight of nearly two mid-size sedans, or one percent the weight of a KC-135 Stratotanker.

"We've been doing this for a long time," said Cheryl Stitt, Michael Anderson Elementary school counselor. "The goal is to heighten the children's awareness of environmental health and to teach them ways to help the fight in sustaining our globe."

Mrs. Stitt explained that as a part of their education, students are learning about global issues such as the effect humanity is having on rainforests, "Our teachers are wonderful," she said. "They're constantly looking for ways to integrate global issues into their curriculum, giving our children a very holistic education."

Bill Teuton, Fairchild Recycling Center manager, says that he's "very proud of the work done by the students. Their contribution helps fund Fairchild's initiative in continuing the frontier on environmental excellence."

The three students who gathered the most recycled material were awarded gift cards from the Base Exchange of $50, $35 and $20 respectively. The top class received a pizza party for their collective achievement in team effort.

Victoria Phelan, 3rd grade, and Addison Hoggan, 5th grade, took second and third place in the contest.

Ryan Allen, 3rd grade, was the overall winner of the event with a total contribution of 550 pounds of recycled goods -- 200 pounds more than his contribution last year. "We've been saving cans, bottles and papers since the last recycling contest; all of it came from my house," Ryan stated.

If you'd like to learn more about Fairchild's recycling program, call the Recycling Center at 247-2885.