For the third straight year, North Harford High School’s Envirothon team has claimed the top spot at the Maryland Envirothon competition, continuing a legacy of environmental excellence and academic achievement. Held June 11–12, 2025, at the Western Maryland 4-H Park in Swanton, Maryland, the competition brought together student teams from across the state to test their knowledge and skills in environmental science, natural resource management, and problem-solving.

This year’s North Harford team—comprised of students Frank DeLuca, Jacob Jestel, Jonathan VanBuskirk, Ryan Layman, and Samantha Hawk—earned first place overall after two rigorous days of testing and fieldwork. Participants completed written and practical challenges in soil science, aquatics, forestry, and wildlife, along with an oral presentation focused on this year’s current issue: Roots and Resiliency – Fostering Forest Stewardship in a Canopy of Change.

Their victory marks an especially significant achievement: Frank DeLuca has been a member of all three championship teams, and Jonathan VanBuskirk contributed to the 2024 win as well. Together, this year’s team demonstrated a high level of environmental literacy and the ability to apply their classroom learning to complex, real-world scenarios.

“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,” said Laura O’Leary, the team’s coach and a teacher at North Harford High School. “They care deeply about the environment and each other. Their success is a result of the time they’ve invested studying after school, practicing in the field, and pushing themselves to grow as scientists and as a team.”

With their state victory, the team now advances to represent Maryland at the 2025 NCF-Envirothon, an international competition taking place July 20–26 at Mount Royal University in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. There, they will compete against top teams from the United States, Canada, and China.

“The consistency and excellence we’re seeing from these students is truly exceptional,” said Superintendent Dr. Sean Bulson. “To win at this level for three consecutive years is an incredible accomplishment. Harford County has a rich history of agriculture and agricultural education, and it’s exciting to see that tradition carried forward. These students reflect the values, knowledge, and commitment to stewardship that define our community. We are extremely proud of the entire team.”

The Envirothon program has been a cornerstone of environmental education in Harford County for more than three decades. Locally supported by the Harford Soil Conservation District, it provides students with a unique, hands-on opportunity to engage with natural resource topics through both classroom learning and real-world application. Participants build deep subject knowledge while strengthening skills in collaboration, leadership, and critical thinking—preparing them for future roles as environmental stewards and professionals in science-related fields.

North Harford’s continued success is a testament not only to the dedication of the students, but also to the school’s commitment to environmental education and the support of the local agricultural community. As they prepare for international competition, the team carries with them the pride of Harford County and the hope of once again demonstrating their excellence on the world stage.