Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces Winners of the Massachusetts Envirothon

HOPKINTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced the winners of the 2026 Massachusetts Envirothon, held at Hopkinton State Park. The Lexington High School team earned first place in the annual statewide competition, which brought together 30 teams representing 23 high schools across Massachusetts for a day of academic competition, collaboration, and innovation in environmental sciences. They will now representMassachusetts at the NCF-Envirothon 2026 National Annual Competition in July in Mississippi. 

Hosted by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA), the Massachusetts Envirothon 2026 current issue theme, Living Sponge Communities: Strategies for Mitigating Environmental Impacts from Stormwater, challenged students to investigate how everyday landscapes interact with rainfall and runoff.   

"Congratulations to Lexington High School on this well-earned championship," said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. "This year’s competition challenged students to think critically about how communities can better manage stormwater and reduce environmental impacts, and they responded with thoughtful, creative, and practical ideas. Thank you to the educators who continue to encourage students' curiosity and leadership in regard to protecting Massachusetts’ natural resources.”

“The Massachusetts Envirothon gives students the opportunity to take what they’ve learned in the classroom and apply it to real-world environmental challenges,” said Education Secretary Steve Zrike. “I’m proud of all the students who participated. This experience will help inspire the Commonwealth’s next generation of environmental leaders, scientists and innovators.” 

“Congratulations to all of the students who participated in this year’s Massachusetts Envirothon,” said DCR Commissioner Nicole LaChapelle. “The Massachusetts Envirothon is a powerful reminder of how deeply young people across our state care about the environment and the future of our communities. It’s inspiring to see students come together to apply their creativity, curiosity, and problem-solving skills to real-world environmental challenges while strengthening their connection to the natural world and our shared natural resources.” 

“Each year, the Massachusetts Envirothon brings together our state’s most promising young environmental leaders to tackle some of the greatest challenges of our time—climate change and biodiversity loss—with collaborative and innovative solutions,” said DFG Commissioner Tom O’Shea. “With this year’s focus on restoring healthy, resilient rivers, wetlands, and watersheds, we are thrilled to see students identify interdisciplinary approaches that simultaneously protect clean water, conserve wildlife and native fish, and improve their communities. Congratulations to all of the participants and thank you to our environmental educators who open doors for our students to steward our environment in the classroom and beyond.” 

"Climate change is driving more frequent rainfall, making stormwater pollution an increasingly serious challenge for our waterways," said MassDEP Commissioner Bonnie Heiple. “Congratulations to all of the incredible students who participated and delivered thoughtful and creative strategies to reduce pollution and improve water quality — we hope this experience inspires you to pursue future careers in environmental protection.” 

This year, the Massachusetts Envirothon also featured an inaugural eco-spoken word competition, where students submitted videos of their poetry exploring environmental themes such as sustainability, climate resilience, and humanity’s relationship with the natural world. In addition, the new special award, Evergreen Award, was added that celebrates environmental leadership among Special Education teams.  

The event was energized by emcees Caroline Ehmann (former Massachusetts Envirothon - Lexington High School Team Captain, now at Dartmouth College) and Tomer Elkayam (former Massachusetts Envirothon - Lexington High School Team Member, now at UMass Amherst). Their enthusiasm and leadership created an engaging and celebratory atmosphere throughout the day. 

“The Massachusetts Envirothon continues to demonstrate the extraordinary talent, curiosity, and environmental leadership of students across our state,” said Crystal Johnson, Chair of Massachusetts Envirothon 2026 Steering Committee. “These students are not only learning about environmental challenges, they are also preparing to become the next generation of thought leaders, scientists, educators, policymakers, and community leaders who will help shape a more sustainable future.” 

The 2026 Winners are: 

Overall Team Champions 

• 1st Place: Lexington High School
• 2nd Place: Minuteman Technical High School
• 3rd Place: Reading Memorial High School
• 4^th Place: Shepherd Hill Regional High School
• 5^th Place: Acton Boxborough Regional High School 

Eco Spoken Word Competition Awards 

1^st Place: 

• Zilai’ja Lewis, Dean Technical High School

2^nd Place: 

• Preston Emmons, Frontier Regional High School Team
• Nimisha Gudimella, Frontier Regional High School Team
• Nahusha Gudimella, Frontier Regional High School Team
• Wesley Evans, Frontier Regional High School Team
• Kayla Fagan, Frontier Regional High School Team

3^rd Place:

• Thanisha Martinez, Dean Technical High School 

Special Awards – Massachusetts Envirothon Evergreen Award  

• Madison Park Technical Vocational High School 

Special thanks to this year’s event and prize sponsors:

• Mass State Grange
• LSP Association
• Environmental Business Council of New England, Inc.
• Museum of Science
• New England Aquarium
• Mass Audubon
• Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation
• Black Earth Compost
• Hugg Mail 

###