Eastern View High School’s Envirothon program is once again demonstrating its environmental leadership, with an impressive showing by two teams at the Virginia Dominion Energy Envirothon Area II regional competition held Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, despite rainy conditions.
The EVHS team members include:
Team Loblolly (Gray shirts): Caroline Bruner, Derek Zamora Cruz, Maxwell Norrod, Noah Stuart, and Hannah Tolson
Team Sassafras (Light blue shirts): Madeline LaVenuta, Jaxson Norrod, Lincoln Stuart, Brett Howell, and Ilyana Rodriguez
They achieved strong results across multiple event categories. Team Sassafras placed 1st in Oral Presentation, 2nd in Aquatic Ecology, and finished 3rd overall, securing their place in the State competition at the University of Mary Washington on May 18–19. Team Loblolly also had a notable performance, placing 2nd in Forestry and Soils, 3rd in Wildlife, and finishing 4th overall.
Envirothon challenges students in five core environmental science areas: Soils and Land Use, Aquatic Ecology, Forestry, Wildlife, and Oral Presentation. This year’s current issue, “Roots and Resiliency: Fostering Forest Stewardship in a Canopy of Change,” centered on creating a land management plan for newly acquired property by the Monacan Indian Nation. To enhance their understanding, students visited the Monacan Indian Museum in Amherst, where they learned about the tribe’s history, culture, and conservation goals. The experience had particular meaning, as the land Eastern View High School sits on today was once part of Monacan territory during early European settlement.
Coach and Sponsor Rachel Stuart expressed deep pride in her students' efforts and growth throughout the season. “I am so proud of both teams and thrilled to see the Envirothon program growing at Eastern View. This year’s topic allowed students to connect more deeply with the land and learn about the Monacan Indian Nation, whose history is woven into our region. Their dedication and enthusiasm have been truly inspiring.”
Stephanie DeNicola, Education and Information Coordinator for the Culpeper Soil and Water Conservation District, has worked closely with the teams and praised their commitment to environmental learning. “The Eastern View Envirothon team members have participated in every opportunity I have offered them this year: a wildlife bus tour in the Shenandoah Valley, a climate change conference in Charlottesville, a woods and wildlife workshop on a Saturday in Culpeper, and a visit to the Monacan Indian Nation Museum in Amherst,” said DeNicola. “They are fully engaged, ask thoughtful questions and take notes. While I believe they have a good shot of winning the State competition, I am most excited for the people they will grow into and their impact on the world. I am grateful and humbled to be a part of their journey.”
The Envirothon program continues to provide students with hands-on learning experiences that combine environmental science, civic engagement, and career exploration in conservation and natural resource management.
Eastern View High School congratulates both teams and proudly supports Team Sassafras as they prepare to represent Area II at the state level later this month.