EM Team Thrives in Unique Race That Combines Knowledge and Speed

Idaho Cleanup Project team runners, from left, Kris Lockyer, Jose Carbajal, Cody Hidalgo and Meesha Frye celebrate their 3rd place finish in the College of Eastern Idaho's Great Race for Education. The photo was taken by Scott Kirtley at Get Posterized.

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — Idaho Cleanup Project (ICP) contractor Idaho Environmental Coalition (IEC) recently assembled a team to participate in a unique competition that required institutional knowledge, athleticism, wit, and even sheer luck to raise thousands of dollars in scholarships for local college students at the College of Eastern Idaho (CEI).

The Great Race for Education is like a “scavenger hunt” with one team of “owners” solving trivia questions for their four-person athletic team which runs through Historic Downtown Idaho Falls and Snake River Landing, completing dexterity or memory challenges to earn clues to the next station and ultimately the finish line. This year’s theme was “Mt. Olympus,” and teams were encouraged to decorate their booths and adorn themselves with ancient Greek-like attire.

Community giving and volunteer efforts are priorities for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Environmental Management (EM), demonstrated by the more than 50 employees from the DOE Idaho Operations Office and IEC who volunteered their time or money to support the Great Race for Education.

Shelby Lockyer, who supports IEC strategic planning and served as an IEC team captain during the event, was thrilled by this year’s participation and the collective commitment to support students from the area.

“IEC is a proud supporter of the College of Eastern Idaho, and I am grateful to our employees who took time to support a great cause,” said Lockyer. “We strive to make our community a great place to live and work.”

IEC’s athletic team of four runners took third place at the event, earning a medal, a trophy, and most importantly, a $1,000 scholarship in their name that will be given to a fortunate CEI student.

This year’s competition generated a combined total of $70,000 for scholarships, and CEI Foundation Executive Director Dave Facer recognized IEC’s contribution to another successful event.

“ICP’s ongoing commitment to supporting the CEI Foundation’s Great Race for Education truly reflects a deep-rooted dedication to community and education. Keeping that momentum going since 2009 is no small feat — it speaks volumes about their values and the strength of their team spirit.”

-Contributors: Leamarie Mitchell, Erik Simpson