NEWS
Working Forest Essay Contest Winners Announced
The Vermont Woodlands Association partnered with the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation, the French Foundation and Northern Woodlands magazine to sponsor an essay contest for high school students.
The question addressed by entrants was, “As the next generation of forest stewards, we would like you to tell us, in 600 words or less, why working forests in Vermont are important and how they contribute to the quality of life of all Vermonters.”
We were both overwhelmed and heartened by the response, receiving more than sixty essays from students around the state. Our team of judges read every essay, often several times, and finally selected the top three entries.
Congratulations to:
• 1st Place: Kia Amirkiaee from Woodstock Union High School Read Essay
• 2nd Place: Ben Dillner from North Country Union High School Read Essay
• 3rd Place: Nicholas Sweet from Rutland High School Read Essay
The three students who placed first, second, and third received cash prizes awarded at the VT Woodlands Association annual meeting on April 6, VTC in Randolph. The winning essay by Kia Amirkiaee appeared in the Northern Woodlands Magazine Spring 2013 edition.
Photo: Put Blodgett, VWA President, standing as Kia Amirkiaee reads her winning essay at the
VWA Annual Meeting this April. Ben Dillner, 2nd place winner, stands on right.
VWA and its co-sponsors would like to thank everyone who participated. We are very fortunate to have such good land stewards in our next generation.
The Vermont Woodlands Association received the 2011 Governor's Award for
Environmental Excellence for their Forestry School and Vermont Tree Farm Programs.
