North Harford High School’s Envirothon Team has won the state Envirothon competition for a third consecutive year.

During the two-day environment-themed academic competition held in Swanton, Maryland, the team of five, including Frank DeLuca, Jacob Jestel, Jonathan VanBuskirk, Ryan Layman and Samantha Hawk, demonstrated advanced environmental literacy in soil, aquatics, forestry, wildlife and this year’s issue topic, roots and resiliency — fostering forest stewardship in a canopy of change.

The North Harford High School Envirothon team achieved a third-place finish at the 2024 national competition held in Geneva, New York.

The team’s coach, North Harford High School teacher Laura O’Leary, said its success is a result of the time the students invested after school, practicing in the field and from pushing themselves to grow as scientists.

“It’s inspiring to see the passion these students bring to their work, and I am very proud of what they’ve been able to accomplish,” O’Leary said. “They care deeply about the environment and each other.”

North Harford’s Envirothon team will go on to represent Maryland at the 2025 National Conservation Foundation Envirothon in Alberta, Canada, in July.

“The consistency and excellence we’re seeing from these students is truly exceptional,” said Harford County Public Schools Superintendent, Sean Bulson. “To win at this level for three consecutive years is an incredible accomplishment. These students reflect the values, knowledge, and commitment to stewardship that define our community. We are extremely proud of the entire team.”

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