Peak Oil Writing Contest Winners

As part of our effort to help educate people in our region about peak oil, and its implications for everyday life, one of our members, Raven Burchard, organized a writing contest this past winter for high school students in southern Vermont, northern Massachusetts, and western New Hampshire.

The topic they were to write on was: “Life Without Available, Affordable Fuels".

The winners and their prizes were as follows:

  • First: Marty Cain, a freshman at Brattleboro Union High School, for his essay, “Fahrenheit 2020: The Future of Peak Oil.” Marty won $500 in prizes and cash, PLUS publication of his essay in the 22 April (Earth Day) edition of the Brattleboro Reformer.
  • Second: Lisa Holderness’ class at the Community High School of Vermont. Her students—Christian Yopst, Katie McDonald, Ben Betancourt, Adam Morrissette, and Timmy Velasquest, collaborated on the essay, “Our Oil Use: We Need to Change the Way We Live.” They shared $150 in prizes and cash
  • Third: Christina Moore, Springfield High School, won $50 in prizes and cash
  • Participation Prize--$25 value to the Teacher with the Most Participants—went to Tracy Jensen of Springfield High School.