St Ignatius Catholic School, George Town Primary School and John Gray High School have copped the Jiminy Cricket’s Environmentality Challenge grand prizes in their age group.

The students were paid a surprise visit last week in their classrooms to be presented with their prizes sponsored by Disney Cruise Lines, Department of Tourism, Department of Education and Department of Environment.

Jiminy Cricket’s Environmentality Challenge is an educational programme that invites students to get involved and learn more about protecting the environment.

Third-year students were asked to create an original art project on the topic, “Why we need water”, while sixth-year and eleventh-year classrooms tackled a worldwide environmental issue using classroom subjects such as maths, science and language arts.

Mark Witko, Community and Government Relations Manager for Disney Cruise Lines, presented the students with Jiminy Cricket hats and watches in the presence of their school staff and DOT officials.

Mr Witko said, “We are excited to celebrate and recognize the efforts of these winning students aboard the Disney Magic.”

“They are making a difference in the Cayman community and raising awareness for Environmentality everywhere,” he added.

As part of their prize the winning students, along with their teachers and principals, will take part in a special ceremony and day of fun onboard the Disney Magic cruise ship on 20 June.

The students will tour the ship and have lunch with Disney Cruise Lines executives where they will be officially recognized for winning the competition and further prizes and surprises will be presented.

Jiminy Cricket’s Environmentality Challenge was created by the Walt Disney Company in 1994 to encourage students to think and act environmentally – at school, at home and in their local communities.

This is the second year the Cayman Islands, a popular port destination on the Disney Magic seven-night western Caribbean itinerary, has participated in this programme.