By: Meghan Edwards
Carlyle High School students won first place at the Land Use Council Envirothon
Competition earlier this month, demonstrating their knowledge of natural resources and
teamwork skills.
The Envirothon is a five-person team event that requires students to collaborate on
questions in each category and develop the best possible answers.
Success in the competition depends not only on classroom learning but also on general
interest and knowledge gained through outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing and
agriculture.
Students selected for the teams had previously taken agriculture classes related to soils,
wildlife, forestry or aquatics. Their classroom experience provided a foundation for the
competition’s subject areas.
In addition to the core categories, students prepared for a fifth topic focused on nonpoint
source pollution. Competitors studied a packet of materials to build their understanding of
environmental challenges and solutions.
“This competition really shows how students can apply what they’ve learned in class to
real-world situations,” teacher Tammy Gerstenecker said, “They also bring in knowledge from
their own experiences, which makes a big difference.”
Two teams represented Carlyle High School at the competition. Team one included
Maddy Rae Schomaker, Cooper Diekemper, Lane Pender, Kody Koch and Wyatt Gebke.
Team two consisted of Katelyn Davison, Kyra Beckemeyer, Caleb Towell, Cash Waner
and Vinny Huels.
Team one earned first place in aquatics and tied for first place in wildlife. Team two
placed third in wildlife.
The Envirothon provides opportunities for students interested in wildlife and natural
resources to expand their knowledge.
Participants also work closely with Soil and Water Conservation Districts throughout the
region.
“It’s a great opportunity for students who are interested in natural resources to explore
potential careers and build connections,” Gerstenecker said.
Carlyle High School’s teams will advance to the state competition, scheduled for April
29-30 in Monticello.