Waukegan High School’s Environmental Club has been announced winners of the President’s Environmental Youth Award (PEYA) from the United States Environmental Protection Agency.  The PEYA recognizes outstanding environmental stewardship projects developed by K-12 youth.

The Environmental Club was one of 10 recognized groups from across the nation. Waukegan’s club was named a winner from the EPA’s Region 5, which is made up of several midwestern states. The group was recognized for its recent Waukegan Zero project. 

Each year PEYA honors a variety of local projects developed by students, school classes, summer camp attendees and youth organizations to promote engagement in environmental stewardship and protection.

The Waukegan Zero project was led by Waukegan High School seniors Jester Abella, Krystal Hernandez, Amanda Moore-Rinehart, and Jeweleah Reyes. The students will be formally recognized by the EPA this August in Washington D.C. They are among just 41 students across the country being recognized. 

"My students are honored and thrilled to have been recognized by the EPA for their efforts. Not only have they made a tangible difference in their community, but they created a more sustainable and resilient future for the planet," said Environmental Club Sponsor, Ms. Kate Krischke. 

Waukegan Zero was a large initiative undertaken by the club to plant trees throughout the community. The club aimed to plant 250 trees to help offset the Washington Campus’ carbon footprint. Through their informational and promotional efforts the club was able to distribute more than 350 trees.