
			Pat Quinn, Governor

State Links

Government

Business

Employment

Education

Health & Safety

Family & Home

Travel & Recreation

About Illinois

Illinois.gov

Stay Informed

Your Government

Search Illinois
[Search Tips]

IGNN: State/All Press Release

ILLINOIS NEWS

The State of Illinois News page provides access to the Illinois Government News Network and all state press releases.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 2, 2002

Governor Announces 2003 Coal Calendar Contest Winners

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan today honored the 25 school children whose essays and artwork were chosen to be included in the Illinois Coal Calendar for the year 2003.

"Coal is a rich and vital natural resource in Illinois. With the development of clean coal technologies and my administration’s support of the industry, Illinois is in a strong position to benefit from the resurgence in the use of coal to help supply our energy needs,” said Governor Ryan. “This competition helps to promote the importance of the coal industry, while teaching students about the contributions Illinois coal has made to our economy and quality of life."

This is the 14th straight year that the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs (DCCA) has sponsored the contest. Illinois students from the fifth through eighth grades entered the competition by submitting artwork and essays demonstrating coal's significance in Illinois and its relationship to energy and the environment. More than 4,000 students were received for this year's contest.

The 25 winners were recognized this afternoon at an awards ceremony at the Executive Mansion in Springfield. Each of the winners received a $100 U.S. Savings Bond.

"The Coal Calendar is one way of marketing our coal industry and initiatives,” said DCCA Director Pam McDonough. "With the level of support Governor Ryan has given to coal and energy development, it’s imperative that this message be spread to the business community and the public.”

In addition to the individual student winners, a special award was given to Minooka Junior High for submitting the most entries (397). Three other schools were recognized for achieving full participation among all of their students: Immaculate Conception in Morris, East Side Intermediate School in Harrisburg, and Immanuel Lutheran School in Okawville.

Copies of the 2003 Coal Calendar will be available this fall. To order a calendar, write to Barb Antonini in DCCA's Office of Coal Development, 620 E. Adams St., Springfield, IL 62701, or call 217/782-5370 (TDD 800/785-6055).

Attached is a list of this year's winners.

2002 COAL CALENDAR CONTEST WINNERS