In the Des Plaines Jaycees Anti‑Pollution Essay Contest, eight Maine West students won honorable mentions and three received first, second, and third place. The objectives of the contest were to bring the Jaycees and the community toward a better understanding with youth and their ideas regarding our habitat and recognizing and rewarding contributors of the most outstanding ideas or suggestions for improving Des Plaines' environment.

Mr. Ron Hawks, Jaycee chairman, presented to the first place essay winner, Doug Lauffenburger '71 a plaque and a $75 U.S. savings bond. Second place went to Diana Grinbergs '72 with a plaque and a $50 saving bond, and a third place plaque and a $25 savings bond went to Bonnie Barker '72.

Those receiving honorable mention were Estelle Mehegan '73, Richard Day '72, Heidi Hanson '72, Sue Winkleman '73, Tina Labellarte '74, Beverly Kron '73, Dale Oelherking '73, and Ken Hodorowski, '71.