News Release 096

WESTPHALIA GIRL PENS WINNING EARTH DAY SLOGAN

Volume 36-096

Contact: Van Beydler

(For immediate release)

573-522-2343

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, MARCH 5, 2008 -- "Gentle footprints today will ensure a path for tomorrow" is the winning slogan in the Missouri Department of Natural Resources 2008 Earth Day slogan contest. Riley Caminiti, daughter of Terry and Debbie Caminiti of Westphalia, submitted the winning words. Riley is a fifth-grade student in Rob Hamilton's class at Fatima Elementary School.

Riley will receive a $100 savings bond donated by Central Bank in Jefferson City and a certificate of appreciation from the department. Her creative contribution will be recognized during the Earth Day opening ceremony scheduled at the Capitol in Jefferson City at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 25. Hundreds of fifth-graders across the state participated in the contest.

"The slogan reminds everyone that our environmental footprint affects how we use, enjoy and protect Missouri's resources," said Department of Natural Resources Director Doyle Childers. "Everyone wants a clean environment to keep our public lands and facilities available for current and future Missouri citizens."

The Department of Natural Resources hosts Earth Day in Jefferson City each year. The Jefferson City event is free and will feature entertainment, interactive environmental displays, games and more. On the Earth Day stage, the department will present several games of Environmental Survivor, which will test the environmental knowledge of the students attending Earth Day. The World Bird Sanctuary and The Earthtones, a musical group, will also be on the stage.

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the south lawn of the Capitol. Visit the Earth Day Web pages at www.dnr.mo.gov/earthday for updated information about the activities and fun planned for Earth Day in Jefferson City and across Missouri. For more information, call 800-361-4827.

For news releases on the Web, visit www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel. For a complete listing of the department's upcoming meetings, hearings and events, visit the department's online calendar at www.dnr.mo.gov/calendar/search.do.

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