May 4, 2021

 For Immediate Release

CONTACT NAME:  Pat Burns

CONTACT EMAIL:  pburns@mtmercy.org

CONTACT PHONE:  716-825-8796 ext 205

ARTICLE AUTHOR:  Pat Burns

Mount Mercy Students Place Second in the Erie County Envirothon

             Three Mount Mercy students, two juniors and a sophomore, recently represented the school in the Erie County Envirothon.   This was the school’s first year of participating in the competition.   The team earned a $250 scholarship for their efforts.  Representing Mount Mercy were juniors Aubrey Monaco of Buffalo and Melina Courtney of Elma and sophomore Alie Reid of Gowanda.

             Not only did the team compete for the first time, all three of the students were on Distance Learning this year, limiting the ability to meet and work on the project in person.   They worked independently and were able to achieve success in their initial foray.

                There are two parts to the competition, solving a problem and completing a test of environmental knowledge.   In the first part, students present a solution to a “board of townspeople” (NY department of natural resources).  This year, students were presented with a water consumption issue: a soda factory proposing to build in a farming community.  Details like depth to ground water and water consumption of farmers and homeowners were presented.  The test was a bit different this year, as they normally have a day off from school and attend presentations from various departments and professionals (biologists, geologists, environmentalists).   They discuss local issues and show local knowledge.  Then the members of the team take a test on wildlife, aquatics, soils and land use, and forestry.  This year the team took its test via Zoom.

                Mrs. Leigh High, the head of Mount Mercy’s Science Department worked with the team this year and is confident that the experience gained by the team, as well as the addition of a few more members, will benefit the team in 2022.

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 Mount Mercy Academy

A Catholic College Preparatory High School for Young Women

88 Red Jacket Parkway | Buffalo, New York 14220 | www.mtmercy.org | T (716) 825-8796 | F (716) 825-0976