The Sewickley Creek Watershed Association was very pleased to present Yough High School, Westmoreland County, with this year’s Environmental Education Leader Award at its annual fundraiser banquet held March 9th at Giannilli’s II Restaurant in Greensburg. 

“At Yough, the work of the students and staff makes a difference in our communities where we live.  Teaching students commitment to projects such as the one done in Lowber is an important part of their educational work in our school district.  Creating a citizenry that cares about our environment and the world in which we live is critical,” noted School Superintendent, Dr. Janet Sardon. 

Photo - Award recipients L to R: Rob Cronauer, WCO Jason Farabaugh, Randy Swink, Mr. Bill Janiro, Mike Diebel, Rob Hepler, Dorothy Bibby and Lou Stout.

Dr. Janet Sardon, along with teachers and students attended the event and accepted the award.  The students constructed an education kiosk and interpretive trail at Sewickley Creek’s Lowber abandoned mine treatment facility.  

Other award recipients included Hepler’s Hardware-- Environmental Business Leader-- and Game Commission’s WCO Jason Farabaugh-- Community Environmental Service. 

Rob Cronauer, Watershed Specialist, Westmoreland Conservation District and Lou Stout each received Volunteer of the Year Awards for their dedication and service to natural resource conservation efforts.

Guest speaker for the event was Ellen C. Keefe, Executive Director, Westmoreland Cleanways and her topic was SCWA and Westmoreland Cleanways – Working Together to Protect our Watershed. 

Board President, Dr. Ellen Uschak, provided a brief “Who We Are and What We Do” presentation about how the organization was founded in 1991 and the types of projects and services they’re involved in. 

Included was an update on their Lowber abandoned mine remediation facility in Westmoreland County which received the 2008 Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence.  Award winner Lou Stout will serve as tour guide and interpreter for school field trips to the Lowber facility.  

The Association expresses its sincere appreciation to all who attended and supported their 2013 fundraiser banquet.  Business sponsors included: University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg; Hepler’s Hardware; Rachel Hoza, CPA; Loyalhanna Watershed Association by SNS Properties Westmoreland Conservation District; and, Adam Eidemiller, Inc.

3/18/2013