MURRAY — Murray sixth-grader Peter Rosen has been selected out of hundreds of competitors for his essay addressing a new direction to preserve the environment.

The National Park Foundation challenged kids nationwide with the following question: "What can you do now to turn over a new leaf for the environment and help preserve our national parks?"

In his essay, Rosen pointed out that "simple steps can be taken" at home and at the parks to reduce deterioration of the earth, including using alternative forms of transportation, turning out the lights and keeping garbage to a minimum.

"Take the few steps to the garbage can," he wrote. "Don't just dump it where you are."

As the first-place winner, Rosen won a trip for his family to Everglades National Park, as well as a $1,000 Macy's shopping spree and an America the Beautiful, National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands pass.

Logan Clark, of Illinois, won second place. Third place went to Tori Mills, who is from Kentucky.

"It doesn't matter how young you are, you can always do something to help out — like walking to school instead of taking the bus if you live close enough," Rosen said.