News Releases - 2003

Green Youth Awards

Project Details

Dundee Crown High School, Elgin

School-Wide Environmental Science Projects
Mr. Gary Swick, Sponsor

Dundee Crown High School is an outstanding example of the term "environmentally friendly." Their school-wide projects address waste reduction, water quality, restoration and energy efficiency. Students collect paper, cardboard, batteries, printer cartridges, textbooks, kitchen grease, motor oil, electronic equipment, and florescent light bulbs. High School students are partnering with area 5th graders to develop an open space site into a community resource, and have contributed over 1000 hours of fieldwork. They participate in an annual "Monitor with your Mother" day to test water quality. They just initiated a new rechargeable battery service for the students. Rechargeable batteries are offered at cost, and a free exchange of powerless and fully charged batteries is available.

Boy Scouts of America Troop #677, Gurnee

Adopt-A-Highway Project
Mr. Bruce Campbell, Sponsor

Under a contract with Lake County, Boy Scout Troop #677 cleans Stearns School Road in the Village of Gurnee at least twice a year. Scouts are encouraged to sign up to assist at each of these cleanups, while the adults limit their role to safety and supervision. The result is not only healthier, more pleasant environment, but also an increased focus by the scouts on ecological values while working as a team.

Lawrenceville High School Riverwatchers, Lawrenceville
First Annual Embarras River Clean-up Project
John R. Clark, Sponsor

The First Annual Embarras River Clean-up was conducted on October 26, 2002. After having attended the Clean Water Celebration in Peoria the spring before, the Biology II students, known as the "Riverwatchers", asked if they could conduct a clean-up effort for the near-by Embarras River. By removing the trash from the river, the Lawrenceville High School Riverwatchers helped to restore the natural condition of the Embarras River and to enhance its natural beauty.

Cub Scout Pack # 464, Minooka

Printer Cartridge/Cell Phone Recycling Project
Craig Nemitz, Sponsor

Cub Scout Pack # 464 began recycling printer cartridges in January 2002 and expanded their efforts to include old cellular phones. To date, they have saved over 2000 printer cartridges and more than 300 cell phones from being thrown into the landfills. Area schools, businesses and individuals have become strong supporters of the Printer Cartridge/Cell Phone Recycling Project. The community is more aware of recycling, and the Scouts have a better grasp of the good they can do. Together they have prevented toxic materials from polluting our environment. As an added bonus, all the Cub Scouts in Pack # 464 have earned the "Illinois Recycles for Our Future" patch from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity!

Rhodes School District # 84.5, River Grove

Rhodes Recycles Project
John Mertes, Sponsor

The Rhodes Recycling Project, organized by middle school students, has been active for over a decade! The Project has grown from one objective to over 12 different goals for impacting the school district, students and community. In 2003, Rhodes School was selected by SeaWorld as one of only eight schools in the nation to receive an Environmental Excellence grant award. This grant was used to partner with several different groups to initiate a new project --- an electronic recycling day for area schools. The goal was to collect and recycle 35 thousand pound of electronic materials. They exceeded their goal by 50% and collected over 52 thousand pounds that was diverted from the waste stream. Over 20 different school districts made drop-offs and the event will continue in 2004 and beyond.

Sherrard Jr./Sr. High School, Sherrard

Courtyard Project
Jim Kovac, Sponsor

The Courtyard Project is not just an environmental science project, but also truly a cross-curriculum venture. The area is being developed as an outdoor classroom environment that will be used by many classes. In addition, it provides an aesthetic addition to the building. The overall plan of development is now in its third year. The first and second phases are complete and work will soon begin on the next phase. The Courtyard Project will be ongoing, with changes, updates and replacement of growth. The area has been developed and is continuing to be developed into a useable area for high school junior and high science classes, math classes and English classes.

Cambpell Hill Cherokees 4-H Club, Ava (Not attending)

Campbell Hill Recycling Station Project
Ms. JoAn Bollmann, Sponsor

The Campbell Hill Cherokees 4-H Club joined forces with the Jackson County Health Department and the Village of Campbell Hill to co-sponsor a recycling station for the rural residents of Jackson County. Since the recycling station was put in place, over 13,000 pounds of materials have been diverted from landfills. Local volunteers and 4-H families have provided transportation and moral support to the members, enabling and empowering the youth to provide the necessary leadership.