Environmental Progress - Winter-Spring 2004

Second Annual Green Youth Awards

Youths recognized for environmental projects

Gurnee Boy Scout Troop #677 was recognized for their Adopt-a-Highway program.

The second annual "Green Youth Awards" recognizing seven outstanding environmental protection and conservation projects by Illinois young people, were presented by Illinois EPA Director Renee Cipriano, in a ceremony at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum in Chicago on "America Recycles Day."

"The Green Youth Award winners are setting an example for all of us in making recycling a part of everyday life," said Director Cipriano.

Director Cipriano noted the projects of four of this year's award winners had strong recycling components. One school alone diverted 52,000 pounds of electronics from going into the waste stream.

"The projects recognized by these awards showcase creative efforts by our young people to make Illinois a safe and healthy place to live," she added.

The projects must have involved one or more of the following categories: waste reduction, reduction of pollution in the air, water or land; restoration or preservation of natural areas; and energy or water efficiency.

Through the innovative Green Illinois Program supported by Governor Blagojevich, government and communities have been encouraged to make Illinois a safe and healthy place to live.

"Through the Green Youth Awards we hope to encourage youth to continue pursuing environmental projects now and in the future," said Director Cipriano. Winners for the 2003 Illinois Environmental Protection Agency's Director's Green Youth Awards are:

• Campbell Hill Cherokees 4-H Club, Ava
• Dundee Crown High School, Carpentersville
• Boy Scouts of America Troop # 677, Gurnee
• Lawrenceville High School Riverwatchers, Lawrenceville
• Cub Scout Pack # 464, Minooka
• Rhodes School District 84.5, River Grove
• Sherrard Jr./Sr. High School, Sherrard