by Madison Evans
A team of five Sartell High School seniors recently captured first place in the regional Envirothon competition’s oral presentation category and second place overall.
The competition took place at the Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center in Spicer.
It was the students’ final stint competing together in a journey that began six years ago when they were in seventh grade. At that time, two years ago, the same team won first place in the Minnesota State Envirothon Competition.
Team members are Evelyn Buiceag-Arama, 18; Nathan Ramberg, 18; Lydia Holmgren, 18; Emma Newman, 17; and Camryn Sharpe, 17. All are from Sartell except Ramberg, who resides in St. Joseph.
The team was invited to the 2024 Minnesota Envirothon but had to decline due to scheduling conflicts.
Sartell Middle School also fared well in the competition. The seventh-graders took first place and the eighth-grade team captured third place in their divisions.
The Envirothon competition aims to develop the next generation of innovative conservation leaders. The competition consists of a series of tests on current events, soils, aquatics, forestry and wildlife, as well as an oral presentation.
To earn the bid to the state competition, first place in oral and second overall, the high school team delivered a standout oral presentation on sustainable energy on the Iron Range of northern Minnesota. The task was to pretend they were a renewable energy organization that was presenting a sustainable energy strategy to Iron Range leaders.
The presentation was scored based on preparation of their plan, application of data and quality of the presentation. Speaking on behalf of the team, Sharpe said they presented a realistic project outlining a strategy to kickstart a renewable-energy program. Their ideas were realistic, and the group members all hope their ingenuity comes to fruition in the “real world” someday.
In addition to growing their environmental skills, the team also developed a strong bond of friendship. The group of five formed in 2017 when their seventh-grade science teacher, Gina Anderson, recruited the dynamic quintet because they had shown interest in the environment and were strong class participants.
“The best thing about our team is probably that we’re all just very close,” Sharpe said. “I think our friendships are stronger than our bonds as a team, which helps us work together well and also always makes competition very fun. We’re good at not taking things too seriously, which I think helps our presentation flow better.”
Their advisor and Sartell High School science teacher, Mark Krippner, has worked with the team throughout the years. It was no surprise to him they worked well together because the group’s determination is clear. He noted they are all high academic achievers who demonstrate leadership characteristics and strive to do their best.
Sharpe said the team’s most treasured memory was the laughs they had along the way. She fondly recalled winning the 2022 state competition. They went to the event with the intent of having fun and thus not anticipating a win. They were shocked when they were announced as the winners. Their victory-picture grins were so big they almost appear to be laughing.
Sharpe said she thinks the teammates will be friends for life who will always treasure their happy memories.
The Sartell High School Envirothon team members are (left to right) Evelyn Buiceag-Arama, 18; Nathan Ramberg, 18; Lydia Holmgren, 18; Emma Newman, 17; and Camryn Sharpe, 17. All are from Sartell except Ramberg, who resides in St. Joseph. The team earned second place overall and first place in the oral-presentation category in the 2024 Regional Envirothon Competition.
