Vote for Plainfield School in 'Wreath-Recycled' Challenge

Students at Indian Trail Middle School in Plainfield could win a free trip to the Shedd Aquarium — and they could use your help.

The school is taking part in the Shedd's "Wreath-Cycling" challenge, an effort to encourage Chicago-area schools to reduce, reuse and recycle by creating holiday wreaths using found items — from aluminum foil to paper towel rolls.

Head over to Facebook to vote for Indian Trail's offering, created by sixth-graders in teacher Sarah Boehnke's class. Click here to view their colorful creation and click "like" to cast your vote.

The wreaths are spreading holiday cheer around the aquarium’s Caribbean Reef rotunda and other areas all season long through Jan. 7.

This year’s “At Home on the Great Lakes” theme, inspired by Shedd’s newly renovated exhibit of the same name, encourages students to reflect on how recycling has an impact on wildlife and the environment – right in their own backyard. Each wreath must be accompanied by a short essay addressing the subject.

One winner will be chosen in each grade level (K-5, 6-8 and 9-12) for each of three categories: overall winner, most creative, and best educational message. Across all grade levels (K-12), one fan favorite wreath will be selected both onsite and through Shedd’s Facebook page. One wreath across all grade levels (K-12) will also be chosen by MOCNI as the most inspirational. The classes selected as overall winners will be treated to a sponsored, all-inclusive field trip to Shedd, hosted by members of Shedd’s Auxiliary Board, and other category winners will receive prizes such as curriculum materials.                                                     

Voting takes place on-site at Shedd Aquarium and on Shedd’s Facebook page; the deadline to vote is Sunday, Dec. 8, when the winning wreath will be chosen.