The 2024 Southeast Oklahoma Sustainability Research Fair has concluded and the winners have been chosen.
In first place is Payton Dvorak. Payton’s research focused on the role mushrooms play in fertilizing our soil.
In second place is Corey Kelly. Corey’s research focused on the importance of native gardening to protect ecosystems.
Third place is Benjamin Cooper. Benjamin’s research focused on how to work toward a solution for climate change, locally and within our community.
All entries came from Durant Middle School, although the research fair was available to all individuals in southeastern Oklahoma. The judges represented environmental expertise from the state and local level, as well as tribal.
The objective of the fair is to encourage exploration into the question of what is or isn’t sustainable now and in the long term. Although no entries were received from outside of Durant, we hope to offer the opportunity again next year.
The Durant Green School Program (DGSP) facilitated the fair with support from the Durant Sustainability Coalition. The DGSP is a program focused on environmental education within the Durant Independent School District, founded in 2016. For additional information or questions, email elizabeth. callicoat@durantisd. org. To follow the activities of the program, go to www. durantgreenschool.com.
