Business View Magazine | May 2019

6 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE MAY 2019 awarded an additional $15,000 in grants each. This year’s high school Grand Prize–winning team is the Aquapals from Arlington High School in Lagrangeville, NY. The Aquapals and teacher advisors Tricia Muraco and Maribel Pregnall focused on utilizing aquaponic farming techniques to reduce polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). “Our team was surprised to discover the impact of polychlorinated biphenyls on the economy of our area in the Hudson River Valley,” said team member Spencer Koonin. “The lack of government pressure to clean up Superfund sites caused by PCBs and the historical loss of so many fisheries was shocking. We had to take action!” From their research, the students generated a 35-page manual for aquaponic farming, which they shared with local students and legislators to encourage change within the Hudson River Valley. After establishing five aquaponic systems and presenting to over 1,000 students close to home, they turned their attention abroad, collaborating with 14 farmers in eight countries. “The most important tool at our disposal was social media,” said Krishna Koka. “Through our presence on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, we were able to show our progress to farmers across the planet.” “The Lexus Eco Challenge enabled our students to see the interconnection between science and