The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has revealed the winners of the 2024 Take Care of Texas video contest. According to the agency, the competition aims to showcase ways to preserve Texas' environment and resources.

Among the standout entries this year was a video from Emmanuel Vaughan, an 11th-grade student at George Bush High School in Richmond, TX. Vaughan's submission earned him the first-place spot in the high school category, along with a $2,500 scholarship.

In the middle school division, Bianca Shipley, a 6th-grade student from Omar Bradley Middle School in San Antonio, TX, took home the top prize, which included an $800 gift card toward camera equipment.

Daphne Foye, a 9th-grade student from Akins High School in Austin, TX, secured the second-place position in the high school category, earning a $1,500 scholarship. Meanwhile, Ian Gutierrez from United Middle School in Laredo, TX, and Henry Wickham from Hudson Bend Middle School in Austin, TX, clinched the second and third spots in the middle school category, respectively.

Mia Arreola, a 12th-grade homeschool student from Lewisville, TX, rounded out the high school winners, receiving a $500 scholarship for her third-place finish.

The winners will have the opportunity to attend a banquet at the Environmental Trade Fair and Conference in Austin, Texas, in May to be recognized for their achievements.

The Take Care of Texas initiative, spearheaded by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, aims to educate residents about environmental protection and promote sustainable practices such as conserving water and energy, reducing waste, and maintaining clean air and water. To watch the winning videos or find out more about the contest, visit the Take Care of Texas video contest page.