PA Environment Digest

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful would like to congratulate Ross Levin, age 18, from Plymouth–Whitemarsh High School in Plymouth Meeting, Montgomery County, who was chosen as the 2011 Sue Wiseman Scholarship recipient.

Ross designed, developed, and implemented a student run, organic vegetable garden to provide locally grown, healthy food to the student body while educating the broader community. The garden, which has been incorporated into the school’s curriculum, includes sustainable practices such as composting and the use of collected rainwater.

Produce harvested during the summer months will be sold at a local natural foods store. Expanding the garden, increasing sustainable practices, and incorporating it as a hands-on learning experience for additional grade levels are all part of the long-term plan.

When asked what makes his project extraordinary, Ross replied, “We as students have asserted our rights politically and environmentally, which is a powerful message of community strength and change. What makes our project extraordinary is that ordinary people have come together and built something that makes us proud and directly improves our community, and we’ve done it in a manner that builds our own self-esteem and our respect for others and the environment.”

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.

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful extends many thanks to a panel of judges including: Sue Wiseman, founder of PA CleanWays (which is now Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful); David Hess, former Secretary, Department of Environmental Protection and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Board Member; and Bonnie Griffith, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Board Member.

The Sue Wiseman Scholarship is an annual $1,000 award that recognizes the individual accomplishments of young people who have demonstrated outstanding commitment and dedication to the environment.

The scholarship is open to High School seniors who have initiated and carried out a personal project that addresses one of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful focus areas and programs. Applications and project requirements are due May 1st of each year.

Share this: