Foresthill High Student Competes as Finalist

The Caring for Our Watersheds proposal writing contest challenges students to

research their local watershed, identify an environmental concern, and develop a realistic project to address that concern in their community. Students with the top ten proposals of 315 that were reviewed presented their ideas to a panel of judges at the final competition.

First place is $1,000 cash to the winning team and $1,000 cash to the winning team’s school. In total, over $27,000 in prize and implementation money is available to students and schools who participate in the program. Finalists were from the following schools: Foresthill High School, George Washington Carver School of Arts and Sciences, Grant Union High School, Mira Loma High School, Sierra Academy of Expeditionary Learning, and The MET Sacramento. Caring for Our Watersheds is a joint program of Nutrien and the Center for Land-Based Learning.

Cameron Kaestner won $450 in the competition and also won an equal matching amount for his school, Foresthill High School. In addition, he is eligible for $1000 in project implementation funds.  In total, students compete for over $6,000 cash rewards and participating schools are eligible for over $11,000 cash rewards. Nutrien also provides $10,000 in funding to help implement students’ ideas.

Kaestner’s proposal is to initiate a recycling program at two Foresthill schools. He plans to work with the Booster Club and school administration to purchase recycling bins for each campus and establish a pick-up and transfer schedule. Kaestner will also facilitate student workshops with speakers from Western Placer Waste Management Authority to encourage participation and give insight into recycling and the waste management process.

 “The purpose of the contest is simple,” says Nutrien’s Senior Manager of Community Relations and Investment, Rose Lecky. “Our goal is to encourage students to learn about their local watershed and be inspired to make improvements to the land, air and water. With community and school support, we have seen the creativity and determination students have for protecting and preserving the environment. It’s inspiring when they turn their ideas into reality.”

Each year more projects are implemented with the help of community resources and environmental organizations. Anyone who enters the contest is eligible for funding to complete his/ her project.  “Seeing students implement their projects is truly impressive. Caring for Our Watersheds not only encourages youth-led ideas, but helps make them happen,” says Beth Del Real of Center for Land-Based Learning.