Collen’s thoughts on Invasive Species …
“First and foremost I would like to thank everyone involved in the Wildlife Forever State Fish Art Contest. It is an absolute honor to be chosen for the Invader Crusader award and I could not be happier.
Admittedly, before I entered this contest, I knew very little about wildlife conservation and it wasn’t really ever on my mind, it wasn’t something that I felt a need to be a part of. When I sat down and started to draw my fish and write my essay, I realized exactly how much my knowledge was lacking and set about to resolve that. The research I conducted showed me just how important wildlife conservation was and, because my fish was an invasive species, just how dangerous invasive species can be to the environment and why it is that we need organizations like this one to keep the world in good shape for the upcoming generation – my generation.
So once again, thank you, but not only for the award. I would also like to thank you for prompting me to do something about my ignorance and take a stand. What you have here is something good, something that provides learning to all of us young ones, and I wish this organization the best in all that it endeavors to do.”
Colleen Malley | 11th Grade | Pennsylvania
