ESF Student Wins National Essay Contest

Craig Lazzar, senior in environmental studies, wrote his way to a $10,000 prize
4/24/2008

• Read Craig's essay, Energy Independence: A Five-Point Practical Energy Plan for America (PDF)

New York, N.Y. - A environmental organization announced on Earth Day that a SUNY-ESF student is one of three winners of a nationwide student essay contest.

Craig Lazzar, a senior environmental studies major from Webster, N.Y., was awarded $10,000 for future education expenses in a contest sponsored by The Presidential Forum on Renewable Energy. College students were asked to draft a Renewable Energy Plan for America.

Lazzar, who expects to graduate from ESF in May, is looking into pursuing a graduate degree through a study-abroad program in the next academic year.

He was recently involved in an Environmental Communication Workshop team that created a "green guide" to help the community of Sackets Harbor implement a waterfront implementation plan.

During his years at ESF, Lazaar participated in the student newspaper, the Knothole, doing graphic design and he led the newspaper's recent move to on-line publication. He has also worked for the college Writing Center in Moon Library. He is an avid hiker and outdoor sportsman.

"I am delighted to announce the winners of our contest, and to salute the efforts of our next generation of environmental leaders," said PFRE President Jane S. Hoffman. "The response to the contest was overwhelming, and it was an extremely difficult process to choose among hundreds of worthy candidates. The three winners - James Coan, Craig Lazzar and Amanda Woods - have demonstrated outstanding leadership in promoting the use of cleaner, renewable sources of energy. These Renewable Energy Scholars succeeded in presenting a plan that will help meet the challenges facing America's energy future."

Several hundred essays were submitted and seven finalists were chosen. The finalists presented a Renewable Energy Plan for America that was original, feasible and viable. Finalists were chosen for the soundness and originality of their thinking, as well as their ability to present these ideas in a concise, persuasive and compelling manner.

The other winners are students at Princeton University and Florida State University.

Students were asked to write a four- to six-point renewable energy plan for America, laying out a strategy for the next five to ten years that will minimize our current dependence on non-renewable energy sources. Additional information can be found online at www.2008energyforum.org.