Young West Virginians making Mountain State shine through volunteer work

CHARLESTON, WV – The West Virginia Youth Environmental Program (YEP) will present close to $15,000 in cash awards to groups from around the state for their efforts this past year to better the environment in the Mountain State.

Sponsored by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP), the YEP consists of 4-H clubs, scout troops, school groups and other youth organizations who focus on completing environmental projects that benefit the state and their communities. Some of those projects include recycling drives, litter cleanups and tree plantings.

During the past year, YEP groups worked thousands of hours to remove 760 bags of litter from more than 100 miles of West Virginia roadways and community areas. They also planted 241 trees, more than 2,000 flowers and recycled 34,000 pounds of aluminum, 66,000 pounds of plastic, 127,000 pounds of steel and 102,000 pounds of paper.

Normally, YEP award winners are recognized annually during Youth Environmental Day at North Bend State Park. This year’s event, scheduled for May 16, was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was the first time in 57 years Youth Day had to be cancelled.

“I know all of our groups are as sad as I am to not have attended Youth Day,” YEP Director Annette Hoskins said. “I certainly missed seeing everyone and not having the opportunity to thank them in person for all of their hard work in making West Virginia a better place to live.”

Among the individual award winners was Point Pleasant High School’s Josie Hill, who will receive the $10,000 Rick Vecellio Memorial Scholarship, given annually to a high school senior enrolled in the YEP.

For a complete list of award winners, clickhere.
For more information about the awards and their sponsors, clickhere.