Four Envirothon teams from Pali traveled to College of the Canyons in Santa Clarita nearly a month ago to compete in the Envirothon state competition. These teams showcased their knowledge of the environment in five different competition categories: forestry, aquatics, soils, wildlife and the current issue of invasive species.

While most of the teams placed in individual categories, one Pali team placed first overall, earning a spot in the National Conservation Foundation Envirothon North American Competition held in Ontario, Canada on July 24-29. The team consisted of seniors Noah Alcus, Gregory Gladkov, Yuko Nakano and Makayla Michelini as well as junior Caroline Bamberger. The seniors on the team attended the same competition last year in Missouri and placed 15th in a field of 52.

“After spending so many hours with my teammates in Oregon [two years ago], studying for the state competition in [Mr. Steve] Engelmann’s classroom and in Missouri last summer, they have literally become family to me,” Gladkov said.

Others agreed that the camaraderie has been an integral part of their Envirothon experience.

“I’ve been really grateful to have been on teams with people who I’ve become really close with,” Michelini stated, “which has made the entire experience that much better because we have to spend so much time together planning, studying and ultimately competing.”

And, of course, each team member has their own aspirations for the upcoming competition.

“I’m hoping to learn more! Fingers crossed we make the top ten (at least in soils),” Bamberger, who specializes in soils, said.

Team captain Alcus added: “I’ve got two goals: one, I want to have a good time with my teammates and two, I’d like for our team to break 10th place.”