Illinois EPA Celebrates Earth Month by Recognizing Young Environmentalists through Annual Poster, Poetry, and Prose Contest

By: Boom Boom Cabalona, “X” Divinagracia, Christopher Miranda

 

On Saturday, April 5, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) honored a group of creative fifth and sixth grade students selected for their artistic and writing skills used to express environmental awareness, as part of the Agency’s Annual Poster, Poetry, and Prose Contest. The students selected from throughout Illinois were recognized at a ceremony at the Illinois State Library in Springfield.

As part of the contest, participating schools study environmental concepts with an emphasis on the current year’s environmental theme. Participating schools can select four works in each category to submit for competitive judging. This year’s theme, “How Can You Slash Your Trash?” invites students to think creatively on how to reduce the amount of waste they produce. This could include buying fewer single-use products; composting food waste; repairing broken items instead of replacing or buying new; and recycling items that cannot be re-used or repaired.

“Each year, the Poster, Poetry, and Prose Contest provides us the opportunity to recognize the creative and artistic talents of environmentally engaged fifth and sixth grade students throughout Illinois,” said Illinois EPA Acting Director James Jennings.

 

Samantha Aeriel D. Antiado, daughter of Argel Antiado and Bernadeth Dela Cruz- Antiado, Grade 5 – Saint Lorenzo Ruiz student at San Jose Academy Navotas, received her “With Honors” award in the recognition rights held last April 7, 2025, she was accompanied by her sister Francesca Summer Antiado.