Students from San Diego, California received the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s President’s Environmental Youth Award (PEYA) for their contributions to environmental protection. In a ceremony at the White House, teachers and students from across the nation, including San Diego, Turlock and Guam were honored for their work to promote environmental education and stewardship.
The 17 teachers and 60 students awarded nationwide, demonstrate the creativity, innovation, leadership and passion for community engagement needed to face difficult environmental challenges. Teachers and students attending the ceremony will also be participating in a workshop led by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy to discuss climate and best practices in the field of climate education.
“Through their enthusiasm and commitment, these students and educators are inspiring current and future environmental stewards,” said Jared Blumenfeld, EPA’s Regional Administrator for the Pacific Southwest. “We are pleased to honor their work that helps communities and protects the environment.”
The annual PEYA and PIAEE competitions recognize outstanding student leaders in environmental stewardship and exceptional K-12 teachers employing innovative approaches to environmental education in their schools. These students and teachers creatively utilize their local ecosystems, environment, community and culture as a context for learning.
This year’s PEYA regional winner was the “Donate Don’t Dump” campaign created by local student Gabrielle Posard. It’s objective is to get surplus and short-dated food from grocers, growers, and food companies in the San Diego area donated to the hungry instead of being sent to landfills. The organization distributes more than 20,000 pounds of donated food each month to struggling families and seniors and works to promote issues tied to reducing hunger, promoting zero waste and environmental protection. The campaign is now a volunteer run non-profit with 20 chapters and more than 4,000 members and partners in 4 states.
For details on the new PEYA winners, CLICK HERE.
Posted by Rachel Allan
08/13/14
