Fairchild Challenge: Challenge Two Winners Announced!

By Sahar Arbab, High School Program Coordinator, Phipps Science Education and Research

Thank you to everyone that participated in Challenge #2, “Be the Change.” The judges were very impressed with the thorough research, excellent writing skills and thoughtful actions.

During the months of October and November, around 300 middle school and high school students took a step to reduce their carbon footprint by committing to environmentally-friendly actions. From composting to carpooling, these students proved that small actions can make a big difference for our community and our planet.

We would like to give a special shout out to our judges from the following organizations: Chatham University, Conservations Consultants, Inc., Nine Mile Run Watershed Association, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Tree Pittsburgh and Randita’s Vegan Café.  Thank you for your contributions to the Fairchild Challenge!

The panels agreed that the best essays were ones that quantified their impact, showed commitment to a behavior change and thought about the effect of their actions on both a local and global scale.

And the winners are…

Middle School Winners:

First: Tema Faerovitch, David E. Williams Middle School 

Second: Sage Caplan, Shaler Area Middle School

Third: Radhika Bhargava, The Ellis School

Special Merit: Madeline Douglas, Woodland Hills Academy and

Emma Papariella, Woodland Hills Jr/Sr High School

High School Winners:

First: Luke Giannetta, Central Catholic High School

Second Place: Eddie Sheets, Shaler Area High School

Third Place: Alex Stauff, Shaler Area High School

Special Merit: Sydney Koontz, Ringgold High School and

Shayna Soles, Woodland Hills Jr/Sr 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  or 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.

Photograph taken by Phipps Science Education and Research staff.