Every year, we present our most dedicated and outstanding volunteers a Keep Austin Beautiful Award. We are proud to announce this year’s awardees:
- Samsung Austin Semiconductor Litter Abatement Award – Darla McDonnell and Congress Avenue Kayaks – Over the past 8 years, Darla McDonnell with Congress Avenue Kayaks have not only helped us get volunteers out on the trail but out on Lady Bird Lake to provide some much needed TLC to our precious lake. Darla and the Congress Avenue Kayak team have worked tirelessly to make sure Clean Lady Bird Lake volunteers are prepared and safely boated each and every cleanup, and provide everyone with an enjoyable volunteer experience.
- Dell Youth Achievement Award – Gonzalo Garza High School Green Teens – As a first time club they’ve recruited many passionate students who are inspired to clean, beautify, promote environmental stewardship, and empower their fellow citizens. Before the pandemic, they focused on implementing more widespread composting in their school. Students remained committed to the Green Teens Club during the pandemic and continued to meet virtually, exploring biodiversity and conducting citizen science projects remotely. They are led and supported by teachers Andrea G. and Maggie M.
- Oracle Annual Education Award – Hart Elementary 5th Grade Teachers – The 5th grade teaching staff at Hart Elementary have been long-time participants in our Clean Creek Campus program, and have been dedicated to connecting their students to nature in their own backyard. Students conduct cleanups and plant seed balls in North Acres Neighborhood Park on Little Walnut Creek, a short walk from their school. Many students walk through the park on their way to school and are excited to have a tangible impact.
Congratulations to the awardees and thank you for your dedication to making Austin the cleanest and most beautiful city!
Pictured from left to right: The Congress Avenue Kayak Team, Gonzalo Garza High School Green Teen, Green Teen teacher’s Andrea G. and Maggie M., and Hart Elementary 5th Grade Teachers Susan H., Michelle P., and Monica S.
