Local Student Wins Surfrider Award

The Surfrider Foundation’s Connecticut Chapter celebrated Earth Day by selecting a seventh-grader at Nathan Hale-Ray Middle School in East Haddam as the winner in their state-wide Storm Drain Marker Contest.

As this year’s winner, Amanda Ciarci, will receive a prize of $50 plus Surfrider gear. Also, her winning entry will be produced as actual storm drain markers that will be applied to East Haddam’s storm drains. Amanda’s class will participate in the application of the markers as part of a lesson on the hydrological cycle.

 The Surfrider Foundation invited Connecticut students, grades 6 through 8, to create a design for a storm drain marker that would remind the public that any pollution entering the drains eventually ends up in our waterways. The contest received many outstanding entries. In addition to the winning design, prizes are also awarded to the following participants for their entries: Second place: Caitlyn Monterosso of Eli Terry Jr. Middle School; third place: Eric Lee of The Stanwich School; and Honorable Mentions: Ronnie Beaulieu and Emma Wood, both of Eli Terry Jr. Middle School.

The contest was made possible through a grant from New Haven’s BAR Restaurant. Jeff Browning of BAR awarded the grant and emphasized the importance of supporting local organizations that both educate our children and act to preserve the environment.

The Connecticut Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation is comprised of volunteers who are dedicated to the protection and restoration of Connecticut’s waterways, wetlands, watersheds, and beaches. If you are interested in becoming involved please visit their website at: or email.

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