Emerging leaders
PalmettoPride launched the Youth Ambassador program in 2022. The Youth Ambassador program is open to South Carolina students between the ages of 14-18 who participate in litter pickup events and are active in school environmental programs. To represent PalmettoPride, Youth Ambassadors attend events on behalf of PalmettoPride and promote litter-free messages and actions in their own communities. Youth Ambassadors are awarded $1,000 scholarships. Contact education@palmettopride.org for more information.
Youth Ambassador responsibilities
- Attend functions at the State House as schedules permit on behalf of PalmettoPride.
- Promote litter-free communities.
- Promote litter prevention messages and actions in your communities.
- Present to local government councils the importance of litter prevention.
- Appear in media and social media campaigns for PalmettoPride and KSCB programs.
- Share pictures and activities on social media (school, organization or parents’ where applicable).
Nomination
Please submit a brief (max two pages) description of the person and their litter prevention accomplishments. Include pictures, media or social media appearances. Submit a nomination before 2023-2024 academic year to info@palmettopride.org. The deadline entry is October 30, 2023.
- Must be between the ages of 14 – 18.
- Have participated in litter pickup events.
- Are active in school environmental programs or local Keep America Beautiful affiliate where applicable.
- A recommendation letter from a teacher or guidance counselor.
- 2.5 GPA or higher.
Benefits
- Statewide government recognition.
- College application/resume building.
- Community service hours.
- $1,000 scholarship.
Current Youth Ambassadors
Luke Melton, 2022-2023 PalmettoPride Youth Ambassador
Luke Melton is a Junior at Charleston Collegiate School in Johns Island, South Carolina. Luke currently serves as the Junior class representative of his school’s student government, takes initiative to beauty the school grounds, and is a mentor to middle school classes through his internship with his school. Luke is currently enrolled in his school’s Outdoor Education Center Jobs Crew, where he dedicates his time to implementing health and sustainability campus projects. Luke’s nominating mentor wrote, “Luke has always been the student who helped clean up messes both in and outdoors. He is the student who always takes initiative to help pickup around the classroom, to stick around after lunch to dispose of waste, and to scan the play area for any debris left behind by students.”
Roman Phillips, 2022-2023 PalmettoPride Youth Ambassador
Roman Phillips is a Junior at Fort Mill High School in Fort Mill, SC. Roman is a heavily involved and dedicated Eagle Scout, constantly assisting with Adopt-a-Highway events for the Baxter Trail Club and Stream Clean Up Events with his Eagle Scout Troop. Beginning in April of 2020, Roman began organizing volunteers to clean up Baxter Stream. Since then, his volunteer group has picked up over 15,000 pounds of litter. Roman documents his cleanup efforts through a Facebook page, spreading the word about his group’s success and his plastic film recycling initiative. Roman’s nominating mentor wrote, “Roman is one of the most conscientious and committed students I have ever had the pleasure of working with. He truly cares about people and the environment and lives out his principles.”