All News Releases By Date

Teen from Broken Arrow, Okla., Wins Regional Environmental Award

Release Date: 10/21/2003
Contact Information: For more information contact the Office of External Affairs at (214) 665-2200.

      Trenton Frederick, an 18-year-old from Broken Arrow, Okla., was recognized as a winner of the 2002 President's Environmental Youth Award (PEYA) in Washington, D.C., U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regional Administrator Richard E. Greene announced today.

      Frederick involved his 4-H club in designing and creating a nature trail that is now used as an outdoor classroom by the community. The "Trail of Dreams" uses about 50 different native plant species, highlighted by the state tree, state wildflower and state grass.

      "Mr. Frederick is an excellent example of how each of us can make a difference.  His commitment, enthusiasm and resourcefulness make me proud of today's young people," Greene said.

      First runner-up for the award was Parker Brody of Lufkin, Texas.  Parker planned and designed the Angelina County Hardwood Tree Nursey, and coordinated its building, planting and transfer.  The nursery supplies trees at no cost to schools, churches and other nonprofit organizations in the area.

      Second runner-up was a group of 20 4-and-5-year-old children at George Early Childhood Center in Idabel, Okla., and their teacher, Betty Martin.  The children started the first recycling program at the school and collect all the aluminum cans used there.

      The third runner-up was Stefani Hagerman of Amarillo, Texas.  Stefani restored a quail habitat at Libb's Trail, making it accessible to the physically challenged.  

      EPA created PEYA in 1971 to encourage children in grades K-12 to become more active in protecting the environment. Annual competitions in each of EPA's 10 regions select winners for national recognition at the Washington, D.C. ceremony.

      For more information on the PEYA program, past winners, or how to compete for this prestigious award, visit https://www.epa.gov/enviroed/awards.html.