2015-2016 Fairchild Challenge Award Winners Announced!

By Sahar Arbab

Congratulations to all of our 2015-2016 Fairchild Challenge participants! This year brought in many fantastic entries. We saw botanical masterpieces, beautiful books of haiku, detailed blueprints, inspiring videos, and high quality research and writing. Our participants this year displayed a wealth of talent, creativity, and curiosity. Thank you to all the students for sharing your ideas with us.

The Fairchild Challenge would not be possible without the devoted educators that take on the responsibility of coordinating these challenges. Thank you for your hard work and your willingness to take on extra responsibilities.

Our society faces many environmental obstacles, but seeing all these active young minds reassures us that we will find creative solutions to our world’s most pressing problems.  Individuals can make a difference by committing to actions that better our communities and inspiring others to do the same.

We hope that you all have a wonderful summer, and remember to take time to appreciate nature.

Congratulations to our overall winners for the 2015-2016 Fairchild Challenge:

Middle School

Third Places: David E. Williams Middle School, The Ellis School and Trafford Middle School

Second Place: Woodland Hills Academy

First Place:  Shaler Area Middle School

High School

Third Places: North Allegheny Intermediate, Central Catholic High School, Ringgold High School

Second Place: North Allegheny Senior High School

First Place: Shaler Area High School

Patti Burns Prize for Excellence in Communication and Media

Trinity Middle School for “Potent Poison Ivy” by Mikey Veltri

A look back at some entries:

“Nearby Nature Haikus,” Woodland Hills Academy

"Environmental Change," Serena Yan (North Allegheny Intermediate School)

Figure 1 "Spring Blooms of Western Pennsylvania," Sophya Breedlove (Hampton High School)

“Green Up Your School," Shaler Area High School

Congratulations to all of the winners! We hope all of you will continue to think about how our actions affect the planet. Have questions? Contact Sahar Arbab at sarbab@phipps.conservatory.org /412-622-6915 x3905.

About the Fairchild Challenge: Developed by the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Miami, Fl., and adopted by Phipps as a satellite partner in 2008, The Fairchild Challenge offers a menu of interdisciplinary challenges for grades 6 – 8 and grades 9 – 12, attracting students of diverse interests, abilities, talents and backgrounds. The Challenge empowers young people to engage in civic life and encourages them to become energetic and knowledgeable members of their communities. A

ll photographs taken by Phipps Science Education and Research staff.