(DEQ)— Submissions for the DEQ environmental awareness logo contest is due next week Thursday, Feb. 22.  The contest is open to public and private schools grades sixth through twelve on Saipan, Tinian and Rota.
Entries must reflect this year’s Environmental Awareness theme, “Let Our Islands Shine!”  Drawings must be submitted on 8x11 paper and include artist’s name, school, and grade.  The contest is open to students in the 6th-12th grades.  The winning logo shall be used for promotional materials for this year’s environmental awareness activities.  All other entries will become the property of DEQ and will be used in public education and outreach materials. 
The 24th Annual Environmental Awareness will be celebrated throughout April.  This year’s theme, “Let Our Islands Shine!” focuses on community involvement, beautification, island pride, and fun.  Annual events slated for the environmental awareness month include environmental expo, recycling competition, most beautiful village contest, lagoon cleanup, and a poem and essay competition. 
This year, DEQ has teamed up with Light in the Eve to host the 5th annual Build a Castle, Save a Reef event.  The CNMI-wide competition will be held on Managaha, Saturday, April 14. 
Another new event dubbed sustainable living festival will be held on Saturday, April 21, 2007 at the Civic Center Beach Park.  All contest winners will be announced at the festival. 
For more information about DEQ’s Environmental Awareness celebration and its activities, call Reina Camacho, at 664-8500 or email environment@deq.gov.mp.   Also, check out www.deq.gov.mp for various environmental information.