Contact: Tammy Lane • First Posted: Friday, March 11, 2011

Tates Creek is among eight middle school winners nationwide in the air/climate division of the 2010-2011 Lexus Eco Challenge. The seventh-graders’ project earned $10,000 and will compete for more cash prizes this spring.

The Eco-Creek team developed hands-on, in-class presentations to educate their school community about global warming and air pollution. The girls also made plans for carpool days and an energy fair.

Team members Madeline Doolin, Hannah Hillard, Erin Guffey, Alexis Wells, Hailley Stacey and Amelia Hurt won $1,166 apiece, science teacher Melanie Trowel got a $1,000 grant, and Tates Creek Middle received $2,000.

The Lexus Eco Challenge was created by Lexus, the luxury automaker, and Scholastic, the global children’s publishing, education and media company. The contest encourages middle and high school students to develop and implement environmental programs that positively impact their communities.

All winning teams in the Land/Water and Air/Climate challenges square off in the fourth annual Final Challenge, aimed at inspiring environmental action worldwide. Eight first-place teams will each receive $15,000, while two grand prize winners will take home $30,000 apiece for scholarships and school supplies. Winners will be announced in April during Earth Month.