12:52 p.m., Oct. 8, 2010----The winners of two Coast Day contests for Delaware school kids were honored during a ceremony at the University of Delaware event, held Sunday, Oct. 3, at UD's Hugh R. Sharp Campus in Lewes.

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Coast Day, sponsored by UD's College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment (CEOE) and the Delaware Sea Grant College Program, highlights the state's coastal resources. With that in mind, both contests asked students to reflect on this year's theme, “Making the Most of Our Coast.”

Emily Cook, a student in Bonnie Reidy's class at William Henry Middle School in Dover, Del., took first prize in the Fifth-Grade Essay Contest. She wrote about Cape Henlopen Beach and ways to protect it for future generations.

“Since adults don't seem to be solving the problem, maybe children can,” she wrote. “Our first step would be to educate ourselves and then other kids about pollution.”

Taking second place was Nick Outten, a student in Tanya Mock's class at East Millsboro Elementary School. Third place went to Matthew Lashbrook, of Peter Metrinko's class at Brandywine Springs School in Wilmington. Metrinko is also a UD diving coach.

Three honorable mention essayists also were recognized: East Millsboro's Madison Baker and Cameron Hall, both in Karen Saylor's class, and Callie Freda, of Marilyn Vallego's class at St. Ann School in Wilmington.

In Coast Day's High School Video Contest, now in its second year, students were asked to produce videos under two minutes. A group of students from Caesar Rodney High School in Camden, Del., earned top prize for their submission, “One Person Makes a Change, A Lot of People Make an Impact.”

Under the direction of teacher Mary Stokes, the winning students were: Jarid Keen, James Clough, Nick Burkhardt, Tequan Pitts, Abigail Hall, Jessica Hansen, Alex Cox, Ashley Jones, Bradley Schepens, Ashlee Loera, Harry Simon, and Simon Geddie. You can view their video at Delaware Sea Grant's YouTube channel.

Second place in that competition was Jennie Elliott, under the direction of Paris Crockett at Caesar Rodney High School. Third place was awarded to Amanda Bilow and Ashton Dummitt, also Crockett's students.

Fifth-grade essay contest winner

Emily Cook
William Henry Middle School
Teacher: Bonnie Reidy

In Coastal Delaware I love to visit Cape Henlopen Beach. From the soothing sound of the waves crashing on the beach to the soft sand through my toes, I love the beach. With the bright sun shining in my face and relaxing in a beach chair by the water, it's a great way to spend the day.

When I get to the beach the first thing I want to do is boogie board. Riding the waves, floating in the ocean, swimming and smelling the salty air is my definition of fun. When I am wading out in the ocean it seems nothing can disturb my peaceful moment.

Then I see a ship.

I get out of the water and ask my dad what's in the ship. My dad tells me it's carrying oil to the refineries up the river. Then I remember about the oil spill that I saw on the news and I wonder if it can happen here. Will my kids and future generations be able to enjoy this beautiful setting?

I wonder how much pollution is in these waters? Wikipedia says water pollution is the contamination of water bodies, like the Atlantic Ocean, Delaware Bay, and Delaware River right here where we live. It affects plants and marine animals living in the ocean and the affect is a destroyed community. It's sad what we are doing to the earth.

My dad says we can help by voting for politicians who feel the same way I do. Politicians who can create stronger legislation and regulations and promise not to drill for oil off our coast. But I think we can do much more.

Since adults don't seem to be solving the problem, maybe children can. Our first step would be to educate ourselves and then other kids about pollution. Then we would go to companies and talk to the leaders about a solution. As a child I can't always assume adults will fix every problem for me.

With enough cooperation, we will all be able to enjoy a wonderful day at the beach for years to come on the coast of Delaware!!

Article by Elizabeth Boyle