Three Midlands schools awarded as ‘Champions of the Environment’

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — Three schools in the Midlands were recently awarded grants that will support the education of the next generation of environmental education in the state, announced DHEC.

Busbee Creative Arts Academy in Lexington County, Forts Pond Elementary School in Lexington County, and Reuben Elementary School in Newberry County were all awarded $2,500.

The “Champions of the Environment” awards are issued each school year for environmental education and action in South Carolina’s classrooms from kindergarten through 12th grade.

Teachers apply for grant funding by outlining a proposed educational project that focuses on pollution or waste reduction, water or energy efficiency, or preservation of natural areas, said DHEC.

Champions of the Environment was started in 1993 by DHEC to encourage, enable, and recognize youth environmental education projects that develop awareness, promote behavior change, or improve and protect our water, air, and land.

“DHEC is dedicated to supporting education and awareness about South Carolina’s environment, and programs like Champions of the Environment help us instill knowledge and respect for our state’s natural resources,” said Myra Reece, DHEC Director of Environmental Affairs.

This year, 11 schools were selected as recipients of the grant program but three of those schools are located in the Midlands.

The program is sponsored by DHEC, Dominion Energy, and Sylvamo, with assistance from the Environmental Education Association of South Carolina.

“We’re especially pleased that several rural schools received awards this year,” said Amanda Ley, DHEC coordinator for the Champions of the Environment program.

For more information on each winning project and eligibility requirements for next year’s grant funding, visit scdhec.gov/champions.