Joy Best Wins Sue Wiseman Scholarship From PA CleanWays-Keep PA Beautiful

PA CleanWays-Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful this week announced Joy Best, age 17, from Buxmont Christian Educational Institute in Philadelphia, was chosen as the 2010 $1,000 Sue Wiseman Scholarship recipient.  

            Joy designed, developed, and implemented an Environmental Awareness Festival for the purpose of engaging and involving urban youth about the importance of caring for the environment. 
            In its second year the festival, held on Earth Day, was a mix of exhibits and activities centered around solar energy, water protection, recycling, and proper disposal. Joy partnered with the local library and elementary school, as well as students ages 9 to 11 who helped with the day’s festivities. 
            Joy’s goal is to reach out to other youth based organizations to help grow the Environmental Awareness Festival. 
            When asked why this project is so important to her, she responded, “I believe in the circle of life. Everything is connected in one way or another and it is important for me to stay connected by standing up for issues as pollution, conservation, preservation, and the education of youth.”  Joy plans to attend Eastern University to pursue Environmental Studies. 
            Applicants were judged on initiative and self-motivation, ability to demonstrate leadership, commitment to the environment, use of local resources, partnerships formed, and the project’s ability to educate the public. 
            PA CleanWays – Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful extends many thanks to a panel of judges including: Sue Wiseman, founder of PA CleanWays; Richard Ebeling, Manager, Highway Beautification Program for the Department of Transportation and PA CleanWays – Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Board Member; and Timothy Savisky, Professor of Biology at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg and PA CleanWays – Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Board Member. 
            The Sue Wiseman Scholarship is an annual $1,000 award that honors youth who have demonstrated outstanding commitment and dedication to reducing littering and illegal dumping. The scholarship is open to High School seniors who have initiated and carried out a personal project that addresses littering, illegal dumping, recycling, proper disposal, beautification, or education on these topics. 
            The scholarship is named for Sue Wiseman, whose own commitment and dedication to a cleaner environment led to the founding of PA CleanWays, a statewide nonprofit organization that helps people who are ready to take action against littering and illegal dumping in their communities. 
            Applications and project requirements are due May 1, of each year. Application forms are available electronically at the PA CleanWays website. 

8/16/2010

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