By Lisa Magers/CISD Community Services
Coleman Elementary fifth grader Gillian Epperson’s concerns for the environment — and ways she can protect it — have earned her the title of Luminant Environmental Scholar.
The 10-year-old was among several fifth-grade students from Coleman, Cooke and Adams Elementary Schools who entered the Luminant Scholar Essay Contest, developed by Luminant Power to “shine a light” on environmental awareness among young Texans.
“Gillian’s essay stood out from the rest because she gave many examples of things she could personally do to protect our environment,” said Coleman language arts teacher Shawna Webb. “During discussions with the fifth-graders, it is obvious that they are very aware of environmental problems and also have some innovative solutions. Gillian’s ideas showed thoughtful consideration of her responsibility to our planet.”
Epperson believes in taking responsibility, and action, when it comes to protecting the planet.
“I don’t like littering,” she said. “I tell people that someday, if we keep on littering, we won’t have much earth left. It will all be rotting.
“Most kids, five or younger, don’t know much about environmental stuff, so we have to teach them before they get older. Older people should already know this. They should know better than to litter and waste water.”
In her winning essay, which featured a reduce, recycle, reuse philosophy, Epperson discussed her efforts to conserve paper in completing homework assignments.
“To save the trees, I can try to use less paper on assignments,” she said. Whenever I fill up a side of paper, and I still need more room, I can write on the back. And if I still need more room, then I can get a different page.
“When we cut down trees, we may be destroying the homes of some animals that live in those trees. They have to find a new place to live. Less trees means less places they have to live. Many of these animals might die because they won’t have anywhere to go.”
Epperson is considering becoming either a radiologist or a veterinarian because of her interest in animals and bones.
“Some of us like animals a lot,” she said. “I especially like polar bears. If they die and become extinct, our kids won’t get to see them.”
Her suggestions for personal water conservation ranged from turning off the faucet while brushing her teeth to taking shorter showers.
Robert Gentry, Luminant Scholar director, who presented Epperson with a $1,000 U.S. Savings Bond as the district winner of the essay contest, likened her environmental concerns to an American Indian proverb.
“This proverb states that we do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children,” Gentry said during the awards presentation. “It’s important to take care of the environment and our resources.”
Also on hand for the awards assembly was Cleburne ISD Superintendent Dr. Ronny Beard and Diane Williams from State Representative Rob Orr’s office.
Fellow Coleman fifth-graders Garrett Moore, Chase Lordi and Kendell Kasper were also recognized at the presentation as finalists in the essay competition.
As the CISD Luminant Scholar winner, Epperson now qualifies for an additional round of competition, which includes the opportunity to win a $5,000 grant for her school.
That would be a dream come true for the student, who admits she didn’t expect to win the competition.
“I thought of way more stuff than I could put on one piece of paper,” Epperson said. “I had to shorten it down. I never expected I would win.”
