The Brookings High School state champion Envirothon team traveled to Calgary, Canada, this July to represent South Dakota at the International NCF-Envirothon — an elite competition bringing together top high school teams from across the United States, Canada, and China.
The team — Mallory Wells, Madelyn Berkenhoff, Nana Kwame Dwomoh, Marilyn Lopez, and Brielle Smetana — earned their place on the world stage after winning first overall at the State NCF-Envirothon in April in Rapid City. They also took top honors in three of the five tested areas: Aquatics, Forestry, and Current Issue. This achievement marks the second consecutive year that the same group of students has claimed the state title and advanced to internationals.
This year’s international theme, “Roots and Resiliency: Fostering Forest Stewardship in a Canopy of Change,” challenged participants to address how climate change is impacting forests worldwide — particularly in Alberta, where 60% of the landscape is forest-covered. Students explored Indigenous stewardship practices, studied climate models, and collaborated with peers from around the globe to create innovative solutions for sustaining forest health for generations to come.
The Brookings School District is incredibly proud of the team’s dedication, teamwork, and passion for environmental stewardship. They have not only demonstrated academic excellence but also a deep commitment to addressing real-world environmental challenges.
Congratulations to our outstanding competitors and their advisors on representing Brookings, South Dakota, and the Bobcat spirit on the international stage.