MHS Student Attends Washington Youth Summit on the Environment

BY MELANIE BUCK –

Zachary Moore, a senior this fall at Mena High School, got the experience of a lifetime when he was selected to attend the Washington Youth Summit on the Environment in Washington D.C. this summer.

Moore was beyond excited when he received his letter of recommendation. Chosen for his excellent academic record and interest in environmental science, he was able to secure a scholarship to pay for part of the trip but the rest was up to Moore and his family to raise, and they did.

Moore flew to Washington D.C. on June 15 and returned on June 21. He and approximately 200 high school students from around the country had the privilege of staying at George Mason University while in D.C. “It was nice!” said Moore.

During his trip, Moore was able to attend several seminars that focused on the dangerous effects of ‘fracking’ on the planet. Fracking is the process of drilling and injecting fluid into the ground at a high pressure in order to fracture shale rocks to release natural gas inside.

In addition to seminars, Moore had the opportunity to visit the Smithsonian National Zoo where he was able to have a ‘behind the scenes’ look at the Kiwi exhibit. He also got a tour of the Captiol building.

“It was very eye opening, the effect that fracking has on the world as a whole and all the pollution that it causes,” stated Moore.

Moore is undecided on where he will attend college or what his major will be, however, knows he wants to be involved with science and his trip affirmed that decision.

Moore said about the trip, “I would definitely do it again.”

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Jeri Pearson

Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.

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