Shaler Area wins Phipps competition for seventh time

Shaler Area High School has won the yearlong Fairchild Challenge hosted by Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.

The school placed first in seven of the nine years it has participated in the competition.

This year’s prize was $1,000 for the winning team’s school.

Gifted and talented education (GATE) students constitute Shaler Area’s team, which competed against 14 local schools to tackle environmental issues.

GATE teacher Christina Palladino said this is the most challenging Fairchild Challenge the students have completed.

“When we were done with it, we were so proud of the kids because they put so much effort into it with no real time to spend on it. It was amazing what they accomplished given the complexity of the tasks.”

The Fairchild Challenge is a free, multidisciplinary environmental education outreach program designed by Miami’s Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden. Students receive scores for five challenges, and scores are totaled for the overall winners.

Senior Taya McCullough received a Special Merit Award and junior Bri Girty received an Exhibitor Award for the first challenge, which tasked students with using art and an essay to compare and contrast a human organ or organ system with a plant or biological system. McCullough showcased skin while Girty illustrated the brain.

The team worked with Donna Pearson of the Girty’s Run Watershed Association to theoretically create a green stormwater infrastructure to reduce the amount of surface runoff. They placed second for planning a property around their school’s greenhouse.

In the third challenge, Shaler Area placed for using design skills to inform and promote action regarding invasive species. Additionally, Emily Ehrenberger received a Special Merit Award for her Japanese knotweed infographic.

“My favorite challenge was the ecology data sheet, as I got to exhibit my creative ability through creating the poster and the drawing for the emerald ash borer,” sophomore Caitlin Fedorek, said of highlighting the invasive jewel beetle native to northeastern Asia. “I also got to learn about something I had never heard of before.”

Shaler Area won the fourth challenge for planning an affordable, eco-friendly prom with minimal waste. Students spent three weeks creating a poster and report outlining their plans.

“We got to choose different dresses and flowers that were local and didn’t require wasting too much money. It was one of the most creative and entertaining activities (of the challenges),” freshman Anna Sheets said.

For the fifth challenge, Shaler Area students partnered with the borough of Etna, focusing on four areas of its Ecodistrict coordinated sustainable development initiative: mobility, air quality, equity and food.

Alexis Boytim, an AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteer in Service to America) through nonprofit New Sun Rising, guided the students along with their teachers on the fifth challenge. Boytim’s job supports the Triboro Ecodistrict composed of Millvale, Sharpsburg and Etna.

To improve mobility, the students researched points of interest, mapped and created signage for a Butler Street walking trail.

Sophomore Jamie Eichmiller said the project introduced her to nature trails she didn’t know existed close to her home and school.

“I think it’s pretty neat that they were able to come up with something that will have such a community impact, and it will be around for years,” Kathleen Elder, GATE teacher, said.

Students also submitted air quality facts for display on signage surrounding the Etna Borough Pool.

Four students designed “Equity in Etna” posters containing a black Pittsburgh skyline set against a gold sky emblazoned with symbols representing various religions and genders. A Star of David prominently fills the middle. Words including “equality,” “liberty,” “family” and “sisterhood,” grace the bottom. Student Ella Mizera presented the design, inspired by the Tree of Life attack, at the December 2018 Etna EcoDistrict Education Celebration capping off a series of educational meetings. The banner is on display at the Etna Borough Building.

Lastly, for the food category, students shared a portion of a Community Supported Agriculture produce box with Etna residents and spoke about the importance of eating locally grown, healthy foods.