Apr 2, 2007. The Warwick Conservancy (WCI) has announced an essay competition for high school juniors and seniors who live in the Town of Warwick, with a cash award for the winner of $500.  The subject of the contest is, “What can be done to protect and preserve the environment, wildlife, and natural resources in our town, which are critical to maintaining the rural character of our community?”

Andrew McLaughlin, President of the WCI, told this paper that the Trustees of the organization were concerned with raising awareness concerning our environment among the youth of the Warwick. He hopes that this contest will initiate a chain reaction in the community, starting with teens discussing local environmental protection and conservation with their friends and families.

“Warwick’s natural rural beauty, our farms, wildlife and other natural resources have been under continuing pressure from development and overcrowding for the past 20 years,” McLaughlin said.. “With this award we are focusing on encouraging our future leaders to come to grips with the real problems of sustaining the beauty and character of our wonderful town.  If we want to preserve our rural character, doing nothing is not an option.  We must harness the creativity and dedication of all citizens to shape what Warwick will look like in the future. We hope to help our youth take a leading role in shaping Warwick’s future. Those who will inherit what we leave behind should be involved right now.”

All matriculated junior and senior high school students who reside in the Town of Warwick may compete for the prize, which will be awarded at the Town Board meeting at Town Hall on June 21.A committee of three judges who are Trustees of the Conservancy will select the best essay

The essay is to be typed and double-spaced, and be a minimum of 1500 words.  The first page will be the title page, giving only contestant’s name, address, telephone number, e-mail, school and grade.  The essay should be typed on consecutively numbered pages, with the title on the bottom of each page.  The cash award will be in the form of a check, and a personalized certificate will also be presented to the winner.  No student who is a relative of a Warwick Conservancy Trustee or Advisor may participate in the contest. Entries that meet these guidelines should be submitted to Andrew McLaughlin, President, Warwick Conservancy, P. O. Box 1277, Warwick, NY 10990 and received no later than June 5, 2007.  For any further questions about the contest, please call Richard Hull at 845-986-7811.

The Warwick Conservancy is the only land trust focused exclusively on preserving the natural beauty and rural character Warwick. To make a contribution to the Conservancy, please send your tax-deductible contribution to the Warwick Conservancy , P.O. Box 1277, Warwick, N.Y. 10990.