Eco Challenge Winners

Students at Hanahan Middle School take water quality samples as part of their Eco Challenge project.

The results are in!  If you’ve been waiting, as we have, on pins and needles to hear the results of our dedicated Hanahan Middle School team’s final entry into the national Eco Challenge competition. The results are in: the Hanahan Middle School Eco Challenge team was one of two first place winners in the national final competition!

Team members include 8th graders Rachael Caddell, Jordan Farley, Alex Krunich, Alyssa Lamp, Amelia McCulloch, Julia Miller, Karly Nemeth, Taylor Parker, and Sara Richards. The teacher sponsor is Alexandra Davis, a 7th grade science teacher.

Congratulations, Ladies!

The winning project was focused on wetland habitat restoration and oyster reefs. Oyster reefs are home to many wetland species including fish, crabs, and shrimp. Oyster reefs have declined in the Lowcountry due to pollution, development, and wake caused by boats. To spread this message, the team used various means of community outreach. First, the students teamed with DNR’s SCORE project to help bag recycled oyster shells and test water quality. By attending many local oyster roasts, including those held by the Hanahan Exchange Club and Santee Canal Park, the team ensured that 450 bushels of shells were recycled and bagged. The team created a flyer and brochure about the issue and mailed over 300 of them to marinas across the country to post on their docks. The slogan was “Reduce your wake, for the oyster’s sake!”. Positive responses came back from as far as California! Lastly, with the help of YouTube, Facebook, news media and partnerships, 162,000 people were informed about this issue. Partnerships included SC DNR, The Nature Conservancy, Charleston Waterkeeper, Charleston Green Committee, and River Smart, Friends of the Rivers.

Way to “take pride, take action, take responsibility!”

To read more about what these girls have done, check out this previous blog post.