’11 Hazard High grad Jade Clemons is region’s top volunteer
July 1, 2011 by clackey
Jade Clemons accepts the PRIDE Volunteer of the Month Award from Congressman Hal Rogers
Congressman Hal Rogers joined PRIDE to announce that Jade Clemons is southern and eastern Kentucky’s PRIDE Volunteer of the Month for July 2011.
“I’m so proud of young people across the region like Jade who take the initiative to make a difference in our environment,” said Congressman Rogers, who founded PRIDE in 1997. “Volunteers of every age have been recognized for innovative and successful environmental projects in their schools and communities. It’s clear that Jade inspired her peers at Hazard High School by recycling thousands of pounds of paper.”
A 2011 graduate of Hazard High School, Clemons launched a paper recycling program at the school in May 2010. The program has recycled more than 6,000 pounds of paper, according to Principal Happy Mobelini, who nominated her for the PRIDE award.
Clemons started the recycling program and used her own money to buy recycling bins for every classroom, She presented the recycling program to students and employees and enlisted their help. The recyclables were delivered to the city’s recycling center every Friday.
“Jade was instrumental in every community service project held at the school the entire four years,” Mobelini said. “She received several awards for her outstanding efforts and character during her senior awards recognition for the school.”
Clemons graduated third in her class with a Commonwealth Diploma. She served as class president and captain of the soccer team.
Clemons has volunteered with such programs as Blessing in a Backpack, a food program for students when school is out, and the American Red Cross.
The PRIDE Volunteer of the Month program recognizes hard work and dedication to the PRIDE initiative, which promotes environmental education and cleanup efforts in 38 counties of southern and eastern Kentucky. With corporate sponsorship from TECO Coal, WYMT-TV airs commercials about each PRIDE Volunteer of the Month.
“Volunteers are the backbone of PRIDE,” said Congressman Rogers. “We wouldn’t be where we are without our volunteers. More than 360,000 volunteers have helped with PRIDE cleanup and education projects. We want to thank TECO Coal for helping PRIDE give these generous people the recognition they deserve.”
In 38 counties of southern and eastern Kentucky, PRIDE links citizens with the resources of local, state and federal agencies to improve the region’s water quality, clean up solid waste problems, and advance environmental education.
If you know a person or group making a difference with PRIDE, please nominate them for the PRIDE Volunteer of the Month Award by clicking here.
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