CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - More than 1,000 Department of Defense elementary and high school students attended The 10th Annual Earth Day Fair and Art Contest at the Marston Pavilion aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune to learn how they can play their part to help the earth April 24.
Marston Pavilion was filled with experts’ displays catching the attention of the attending students. Each taught a different lesson. Some of the booths highlighted forest fires, animal habitats, and water purification. Presenters showed facts and figures with students along with giving demonstrations such as purifying water and recycling properly. They learned how to create and maintain a healthier environment.
Along with the fair, a group of students’ artwork from an Earth Day art contest was displayed during the fair. They created their own Earth Day logos, using classroom materials to showcase a healthy environment.
Among the competitors from Brewster Middle School were Katie Detreaux, Kimberly Lozano, Alexis May, Faith Sicilia, Sarah Skinner, Amethyst Vasquez, and Aric Whitley. The students from Lejeune High School were Drake Bodine, Jacob Craft, Tyree Humphrey, Tunya Lane, Morgan Lawson, and Nicholas Rangel. Alexis May and Nicholas Rangel won the award for their age group.
“It’s good passing on the knowledge to the children of Camp Lejeune,” said Alicia Filzen, an environmental manager on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. “Because they won’t always be here, they’re going to travel and pass it on.”
Earth Day began in 1970, and it is now celebrated in more than 192 countries each year. The Earth Day Fair spread awareness to the youth of Camp Lejeune, teaching them skills to prepare them for the future.