A team of students from MMI Preparatory School has won a state environmental competition and now will compete at the international level.

Brianna Nocchi, daughter of Kathleen Nocchi, Freeland; Rebecca Noga, daughter of Michael and Valerie Noga, Hazleton; David Polashenski, son of Edward and Jessica Polashenski, Drums; Anjni Patel, daughter of Praful and Bhavna Patel, Beaver Meadows; and Farrah Qadri, daughter of Syed and Saffiyah Qadri, Drums, were awarded first place overall at the state Envirothon, held May 22 and 23 at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown.They also received first place in the Forestry segment and third place in the oral component. The students received $1,000 scholarships to the school of their choice in addition to plaques and ribbons to honor their achievements.The Envirothon is a natural resource environmental education program that combines classroom learning and outdoor activities. This exposure to nature and seeing how humans impact the natural world provide invaluable lessons for understanding ecosystems and the environment. At the Envirothon, teams of five high school students compete in field testing using their knowledge in five topic areas - Soils and Land Use, Aquatic Ecology, Forestry, Wildlife, and Environmental Issues. A current environmental issue is chosen each year as the "hot topic" for the focus of this station as well as the oral presentation component.Students are exposed to scientists and experts in the fields of environmental science and ecology who will coach and guide their learning experience. Teams first competed in a county Envirothon, with winners advancing to the state contest. State winners earn the chance to compete at the Canon Envirothon, North America's largest high school natural resource education competition, and a chance to win scholarships and Canon products. The Canon Envirothon will be held in July in Selinsgrove."I commend MMI's entire group of more than 25 students who participated in the club and the regional event," said Michael Mele, MMI Envirothon adviser. "The turnout alone shows a revitalized interest in ecology and biological science. It has been my pleasure to work with this year's winning team. This group exemplifies what the true root of education is all about: Providing framework, support and enrichment to the students and allowing them to nurture each other, grow mentally, collapse boundaries and yield success. I am very proud of MMI, the team and all our family and friends who have supported us. I would particularly like to thank Jessica Polashenski for all the help she provided."