Seventeen teams from eleven PGCPS high schools competed in the 2024 Prince George’s County Envirothon, where students faced off across five categories: aquatics, forestry, soils, wildlife, and this year’s issue, “Renewable Energy for a Sustainable Future.”
Laurel High School won first place and will go on to compete for the state title in June.
The Academy of Health Sciences won second place, with Oxon Hill High School taking third. Other participating high schools included: Bladensburg, Crossland, Dr. Henry Wise, Fairmont Heights, Frederick Douglas, High Point and Potomac high schools and the Non-Traditional Program North.
“We are proud that our Envirothon students are learning content and gaining skills that are essential for addressing local and global environmental issues,” said Donald Belle, Environmental Outreach Educator with the Department of Environmental Education at the William S. Schmidt Center. “We want to build on their enthusiasm by providing methods from which they can address climate change and create awareness at their schools.”
This year’s Envirothon was hosted by the Prince George’s Soil Conservation District (PGCSD) and sponsored by Keep Prince George’s County Beautiful, Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO), Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission, Prince George’s County Farm Bureau, Green Landing Nursery, Atwell LLC, Robin Hill Farm & Vineyard, Patuxent River 4-H Center Foundation, and the Forest Garden Club, who provided funding for instruments, transportation and lunch for students.
“We are extremely proud of the students who competed and extend a special congratulations to the winning team from Laurel High School and to the runners-up from the Academy of Health Sciences,” said Steven E. Darcey, PGCSD District Manager. “This program wouldn’t have been a success without the hard work and dedication of the local Envirothon coordinators, resource specialists, coaches, and sponsors. We give heartfelt thanks to everyone involved. Now, let’s go win the Maryland State Envirothon!”
