Lake Tahoe Environmental Science Magnet School students win national award

MEYERS, Calif. - Fourth graders in Alissa Behrendt's class at Lake Tahoe Environmental Science Magnet School (LTESMS) just became one of the three top classes in the nation after participating in the Buddy Bison Carbon Reduction Contest.

For their efforts, the class was given $1,500!

For ten weeks the students reduced their carbon footprint by cutting back on their use of electricity, unplugging items Sponsor of the contest, the National Parks Trust, sent weekly emails to the class, giving them a topic and suggested activities. They learned about conservation, sustainability, and environmental stewardship.

The students also created posters about reducing their carbon footprint.

Ms. Behrendt said it was all on the kids to make it work. They received bonus points for taking what they learned at school and put it to use at home. The students tracked their activities, collected data and submitted it to the National Parks Trust.

"The team members of Harrah's and Harveys Lake Tahoe are grateful to the Caesars Foundation and the National Parks Trust for providing this wonderful opportunity to the 4th-grade students at LTESMS. Through their commitment to the stewardship of our planet, these bright young students exemplify the hope of a safe and healthy planet for generations to come," said the local casino representatives. Some of their staff helped the students celebrate their recognition.

A school in Illinois and another in Pennsylvania were the other winners.

The students will be using their prize money to help fund their field trip to "Great Basin Outdoors," and camp in eastern Nevada.