Winner Liam Ellis poses with OPEI President and CEO Kris KiserIn classrooms across the country, Water Warrior, Professor Botany, Green Ranger, Big Rooty and other heroes joined TurffMutt to battle villains Carbon Creep, Dust Demon, Dr. Runoff and Heat Freak as part of the TurfMutt environmental stewardship and education program, in which children learn how to take care of green spaces. The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI)’s Research and Education Foundation and children’s book publisher Scholastic recently announced the winners of TurffMutt’s national “Be a Backyard Superhero” contest.
Contest winner Jordan Evans poses with parents and representatives of Scholastic, OPEIJordan Evans of Trophy Club, Texas, was the K-2 grand prize winner, while Liam Ellis of Sewickley, Pennsylvania, was the grade 3-5 grand prize winner. Each of them wrote an essay showing how they are Backyard Superheroes.
The children each received a $5,000 grant to improve the yards and green spaces at their respective schools. The 100 runners-up in the contest will receive a book from Scholastic.
Kris Kiser, president and CEO of OPEI, says in a news release, “These students are superheroes. It was inspiring to read the contest entries and see how many students are vocalizing a desire to take care of green spaces and be part of a community that makes a difference because of TurfMutt.
“Helping children have an appreciation now for green spaces and an understanding of how to take care of them, will mean that they value them for life.”
