Unveiling the Champions of Sustainability: Winners of the Environmental Symposium Revealed!

Westminster College recently celebrated its 17th annual Student Symposium on the Environment, which took place on December 5. The event brought together more than 160 students from various colleges and high schools, showcasing their research, projects, and creative work related to environmental issues.

Schools participating included Westminster, Chatham University, Duquesne University, Thiel College, Youngstown State University, and several high schools from the region. A total of 83 projects were displayed across seven categories: Environmental Research, Environmental Projects, Oral Presentations, High School Research, Artwork, Videos, and High School Creative Works.

The top prize for Research Poster went to Chatham students Sarah Yannayon, Rachel Coyne, and Abigail Gastonguay for their work on “The Impact of White-Tailed Deer on Shrub Genera.” Westminster senior Elysia Morris won for her project on “Farm to Table Internship,” while honors student Rachel Sacherich received recognition for her Oral Presentation on creating lesson plans for environmental studies in elementary education.

In the High School Research Poster category, Linnea Funari from Wilmington Area High School earned first place for her innovative project on wind turbine efficiency. Jamie Robertson from Westminster won in the Artwork category with her painting inspired by field guides, titled “Strelitzia Reginae: The Bird of Paradise.” Sophia Klonowski, also from Westminster, took home first place in the Video category for her informative piece called “What is Beeswax?”

Additionally, two students received Outstanding awards in the High School Creative Works category: Hunter Guthrie for his reusable bag made from plastic and Amelia Lenz for her striking winter photograph.

Honorable mentions included several projects from students at Duquesne University and Westminster College, focusing on various environmental topics such as water quality and nature therapy. Many high school students also received acknowledgment for their impressive research efforts.

All winners received cash prizes and certificates, thanks to sponsorships from BioMost Inc. and Stream Restoration Inc. Looking ahead, the next Student Symposium on the Environment is set for December 4, 2025, continuing the tradition of promoting environmental awareness and research.