On February 20, Keep PA Beautiful recognized Sheila Shea, Fayette County Recycling Coordinator, with the Community Pride Award.  She was nominated for the Award by Sen. Patrick Stefano (R-Fayette).

“Sheila has done an outstanding job growing Fayette County’s recycling program over the past years. It’s because of her efforts that recycling is more accessible throughout the county now than ever before,” Sen. Stefano said. “Surrounding counties not only look to her as an example but ask to participate in our recycling program. Sheila is always one to go above and beyond and her accolades are well-deserved.”

Shea is the Fayette County Recycling Coordinator, Stormwater Manager and Coordinator of Keep Fayette County Green, the local affiliate of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful.

Shea joined the county in March 2017 and since then has been instrumental in expanding recycling across the county and establishing recycling pickup locations through many of the rural areas of Fayette County.

Her hard work has attracted attention from other nearby counties wanting to replicate the system she developed.

Her efforts have not only kept tons of paper, plastic and metals out of the landfill, but also from being dumped illegally on the back roads of Fayette County, spoiling its natural beauty.

“I want to thank Pat for nominating me for this award. I’m so grateful for the support I’ve received from our state legislators and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful. I was so surprised and humbled to be honored for my work,” said Shea. “I’m incredibly proud of the program we’ve built over the years and how it’s expanded since we started working with Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful. I would not be able to do this without our citizens rallying behind us to help beautify our Fayette County communities.”

“Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful congratulates Sheila for her efforts to keep Fayette County clean and beautiful,” said Shannon Reiter, President of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful.  “Sheila has been a part of our affiliate network since 2022 and is always willing to share her knowledge and process to help other affiliates achieve their recycling goals.

“Providing recycling opportunities to rural areas of the county has always been a challenge. I am delighted to recognize Sheila for her hard work and advocacy for a clean and beautiful Pennsylvania,” said Reiter.  “We are grateful to Senator Stefano for recognizing Sheila for her many contributions to the local community. We encourage all public officials to recognize the noble and necessary work and the special people who coordinate programs that keep our communities clean and beautiful.”

The Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Community Pride Award recognizes outstanding environmental stewardship by an individual, school, community organization or civic group that makes an outstanding commitment to litter control, recycling, beautification or general environmental stewardship.

The community Pride Award is available to elected officials to recognize those in the community working to change behaviors at the local level. 

Elected officials interested in nominating a constituent for a Community Pride Award should visit KPB’s Community Pride Award webpage. The award is open on a rolling basis. 

For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful website.  Click Here to sign up for regular updates from KPB, Like them on Facebook, Follow on Twitter, visit their YouTube Channel.

The 2024 Pick Up Pennsylvania Initiative starts March 1!  Questions should be directed to Michelle Dunn at 1-877-772-3673 Ext. 113 or send email to: mdunn@keeppabeautiful.org.

Keep PA Beautiful helps mobilize over 100,000 volunteers a year to pick up litter, clean up illegal dumping and beautify Pennsylvania.

(Photo: Fayette County Commissioner Dave Lohr; Dawn Strosnider, representing state Rep. Charity Grimm-Krupa’s office; state Sen. Pat Stefano, Sheila Shea, Jim Means and Commissioners Scott Dunn and Vince Vicites.)

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