The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Lake County (UUCLC) has announced the winners of an essay contest entitled “How I can Make a Difference in Lake County” that was part of the EcoExpo Conservation Symposium held March 4 at Lake-Sumter State College.  UUCLC sponsored the essay contest and invited Lake County public high school seniors to submit essays utilizing conservation topics, such as climate change, recycling, resource management, etc.

Keira Woodhead of East Ridge High School in Clermont won the first prize of $500.  Keira’s essay proposed a recycling program for school lunchrooms in Lake County schools.  Skyler Holmes of Mount Dora High School won a runner up prize of $250, with an essay about the petition drive to counter the Wolf Branch development proposal in Mount Dora.  Willow Parks of East Ridge High School also won a runner up prize of $250, with an essay on ideas for community composting and recycling and water conservation.

UUCLC displayed the winning essays at the EcoExpo and presented the prizes at a reception at the Unitarian church in Eustis on March 5.  Several essay judges commented on the passion with which the authors addressed their conservation topics.  

The image features left to right: EcoExpo Chair Jane Hepting, Contest Winners Skyler Holmes and Keira Woodhead, and UUCLC Board of Trustees President Henry Millat.