Three students from Northeast Middle School in Minneapolis were named as winners of the Clean Air & Biodiesel Lesson & Poster Contest. The contest, administered by the American Lung Association in Minnesota and sponsored by the Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council, was open to all 5th and 6th grade classes in Minnesota. It sought creative students to help demonstrate how biodiesel helps to protect clean air and protects our health. Representatives from the American Lung Association in Minnesota presented the students with their awards at the school on May 29.

The winners are in Leif Vanhala’s 6th grade science class. Two students, Fardowsa Jama and Samantha Martinson tied for first place honors; Logan Couillard was awarded 2nd place for his poster. First place class prize is a $50 gift card. Second place class prize is a $25 gift card. All three classrooms that participated will receive a $50 gift card for classroom supplies.

“It is exciting to have students play a role in promoting the sustainable energy solution offered in biodiesel fuels,” Leif Vanhala said. “Students took pride in helping to expanding the public’s knowledge of the health and environmental benefits of using biofuels compared to traditional fuels.”

“I congratulate the Northeast Middle Schools students and Mr. Vanhala for the great entries in this contest,” said Robert Moffitt, communications director for the American Lung Association in Minnesota. “Vehicle emissions are the single largest source of air pollution in Minnesota. These students understand this, and did a fine job of showing how cleaner-burning fuels like biodiesel can help make Minnesota a cleaner and healthier place to live.”