JERSEY CITY, NJ--(MARKET WIRE)--Apr 11, 2008 --
What:

Students, parents, teachers and community leaders will gather to celebrate "The Climate Academy" team's victory in the Lexus Environmental Challenge, a national education program designed by Lexus and Scholastic to educate and empower middle and high school students to take action to improve the environment. The five team members, their teacher advisor and the school will share $75,000 in scholarships and grants.

The team's entry earned one of two grand prizes awarded nationwide. Their ambitious winning campaign was called: "Clean Cities Make Clean Oceans" and was developed to educate all students in Jersey City public schools about the impact of litter and pollution on the ocean. They also raised awareness by stenciling the words "Dump No Waste: Drains to Ocean" on storm drains near schools throughout the city. To accomplish their goals, they partnered with the Jersey City Municipal Utilities Authority.

The teacher and students will share their story of their accomplishment and how they've learned that they can make a positive impact on the environment. The school also will be presented with a custom-designed sculptural cistern, or rain catcher, that is both environmentally friendly and will benefit the school as it collects rain water to be used for plants on the school's campus.

 
When:
Thursday, April 17
11 a.m.

Where:
Academy I Middle School
Gymtorium
209 Bergen Avenue
Jersey City, NJ 07304

Who:
"The Climate Academy" Team -- Five 6th grade students
Joseph Osenenko, Science Teacher and Teacher Advisor, Academy I Middle
School
Jerramiah Healy, Mayor, Jersey City
Dr. Charles T. Epps Jr., Superintendent, Jersey City Public Schools
William DeRosa, Board Chairperson, and members of the JCPS Board of
Education
Grace Moriarty, Principal, Academy I Middle School
Dan Becht, Director, Jersey City Municipal Utilities Authority
Patricia Mitchell, Brand Experience Manager, Lexus
Angie Banziger, Director, National Partnerships, Scholastic

     Media
     Lexus Environmental Challenge:
     Holly Ferris
     Email Contact
     (562) 429-6456 or cell (562) 746-8461
      
     Lexus Northeast PR Office:
     Wade Hoyt
     Email Contact
     (212) 644-3424
      
     Academy I Middle School:
     Diane Strasz
     Email Contact
     (201) 200-1080