Environmental activists from Bednarcik Junior High School in Aurora and Oswego School District 308 have been selected winners in Our EchoChallenge, a new STEM innovation competition that empowers U.S. middle school students, grades fifth through ninth, to take a closer look at biodiversity in their communities, identify threats to local ecosystems, and propose solutions to help preserve, protect, or repair those natural resources. This competition was organized by EarthECho International, a global environmental non-profit founded by Philippe Cousteau Jr., grandson of the famed French explorer and oceanographer, Jacques Cousteau.
Jensen Coonradt, along with teacher and mentor Laurel Coonradt, competed as Team Aquabotics. They were awarded $2,000 which will allow them to continue the work of their projects.
— SQCommunications