JEFFERSON CITY, MO, APRIL 21, 2023 – A crowd of hundreds cheered Friday on the Missouri State Capitol’s south lawn as Rolla Middle School fifth grader Harlee Tanner was recognized for writing this year’s winning Earth Day slogan. “Join the race to make the world a better place" was Harlee’s winning entry. It was selected by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources from 260 other entries sent by fifth graders from 21 different Missouri schools.
“Harlee and her words are an inspiration to us all,” said Dru Buntin, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. “There is no better time to join the race to make the world a better place than on Earth Day. Let’s remember Harlee’s words and rededicate ourselves to the respect, integrity and innovation needed to be good stewards of Missouri’s natural resources.”
Harlee said she was proud to represent Rolla Middle School in Jefferson City. She thanked her teacher fifth grade teacher, Dr. Heather Light, and music instructor, Dr. Joan Murray, for their help creating the slogan.
“My friend got me started thinking about it and then I went from there,” Harlee said. “I was really excited when I found out that I won. I wasn't expecting it. It is an honor to be chosen from so many entries.”
Dr. Light watched from the crowd Friday as her pupil was honored on stage. Joining her were Harlee’s classmates along with hundreds of other youngsters brought to Jefferson City for Earth Day.
“I am so proud of her,” Light said. “Harlee is a hard-working student who puts her all into anything she does.”
Harlee will receive a $50 gift card donated by Central Bank in Jefferson City and a Missouri rock and mineral set donated by Missouri Geological Survey.
Making the attendance of Harlee and her classmates possible is the Missouri State Parks Bus Grant Program. Available to schools and nonprofit organizations, the program assists with the transportation expenses of field trips and outdoor learning opportunities at Missouri state parks and historic sites. Applications and more information on the Missouri State Parks Bus Grant Program is available online at the Missouri State Parks website.
The annual department-hosted Earth Day observance retuned this year after a three year pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It featured more than 20 booths, interactive environmental displays, crafts and entertainment. Earth Day this year was also held at the Missouri State Capitol for the first time since 2016, when an extensive repair and cleaning project began on the building’s exterior.
For more information, visit dnr.mo.gov/earth-day.