R-Squad Commended for Protection of the Environment

        The United States Environmental Protection Agency, Region 7, which includes Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska, recently announced the winner of the 2009 President's Environmental Youth Award.  The award went to Pavane Gorrepati, Rivermont Collegiate, Bettendorf, Iowa, for the project of Warning without Warming.  The project educates the public about fuel cells as an alternative energy source and the potential benefits that can be derived from fuel cells. 

        The Onaga Middle School R-Squad received a commendation for their outstanding achievement in environmental protection services with their recycling commitment within the school system.  Each Thursday, the members of R-Squad pick up the collected recyclables from each of the staff member's classroom, sort into like commodities (paper, fiberboard, magazines, plastic, aluminum cans, etc.) which are then delivered to the recycling trailer.  It is estimated that the R-Squad diverts between 5000 to 6000 pounds of recyclables from going into the landfill each school year, which includes daily cardboard and steel food cans from the school kitchen.

        Members being recognized with a certificate from the President of the United States are eighth graders:  Nick Howerton, Marcus Dice, Joey Willoughby, Jocelyn Marten, Michael Vanover, and Sierra Willard; seventh graders: Mikel Babcock, and Jacob Boren; and sixth graders: Cheyenne Brunkow, Daniel Krohn, Daniel Ronnebaum, Eli Zidek, Noah Howerton, Wade Minihan, Reilly Stumpff, Morgan Boothby, James Johnson, Wyatt Minihan, and Cody Vidana.  Mrs. Debbie Berges is the sponsor of the group.