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Teens Leading the Way to a Litter-Free South Carolina

November 5, 2025

PalmettoPride Announces 2026 Youth Ambassadors

Columbia, SC (November 5, 2025) – PalmettoPride has announced its newest class of Youth Ambassadors, a group of motivated students ages 14–18 who are passionate about preserving the beauty of South Carolina. Now in its fourth year, the Youth Ambassador program offers participants a $1,000 scholarship, community service hours, and valuable professional development opportunities.

Launched in 2022, the PalmettoPride Youth Ambassador program has continued to grow each year. This year, twelve exceptional students were selected from the largest and most competitive applicant pool to date. Applicants represented 21 schools across 12 counties, reflecting the program’s expanding reach and impact. Selected ambassadors are active leaders in their schools and communities, often holding multiple leadership roles and demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability and civic engagement. This year’s cohort also stands out academically, with an average GPA of 3.9.

“Our Youth Ambassadors remind us that the future of South Carolina is in good hands,” said Sarah Lyles, Executive Director of PalmettoPride. “Their energy, creativity, and commitment to making a difference are exactly what we need to continue building a litter-free South Carolina.”

2026 PalmettoPride Youth Ambassadors:

Ethan Budden, Senior at Sumter High School in Sumter County
Sophia Brown, Senior at Beaufort High School in Beaufort County
Grace Brusky, Junior at the Cyber Academy of South Carolina in Greenville County
Isabella Corretjer, Senior at Indian Land High School in Lancaster County
Joshua Croffie, Senior at AC Flora High School in Richland County
William Cutshall, Junior at the SC Governor’s School for Agriculture in McCormick County
Jiana De Leon, Senior at Greenwood High School in Greenwood County
Hannah Dean, Junior at Catawba Ridge High School in York County
Rawan Khalifa, Senior at the Academy for the Arts, Science, and Technology in Horry County
Samuel Kitchen, Senior at Spartanburg Day School in Spartanburg County
Nelsire Segovia-Mieles, Sophomore at Berkeley High School in Berkeley County
Garland Wilson, Junior at the SC Governor’s School for Agriculture in McCormick County

Two returning ambassadors, Garland Wilson and Isabella Corretjer, are rejoining the PalmettoPride Youth Ambassador program for a second year. Both have been instrumental in expanding statewide awareness and participation in the initiative. This year, they will serve as cohort leaders, mentoring new ambassadors and providing support. “Once you start noticing litter, you can’t unsee it. You just want to do something about it,” said Garland Wilson, a junior at the SC Governor’s School for Agriculture at John de la Howe in McCormick County.

Last spring, Wilson organized a cleanup along the banks of Lake Thurmond during the SC Sweep, partnering with the SC Department of Natural Resources and the McCormick County Sheriff’s Office. “It was great to feel like we made an impact because we removed more than 500 pounds of trash, but also because so many people online saw what we accomplished and were motivated to make a difference in their communities,” Wilson said.

Over the coming months, ambassadors will participate in regular training and networking sessions, represent PalmettoPride at community events, plan and lead local litter cleanups, and engage in outreach efforts that promote civic pride and environmental stewardship across South Carolina. PalmettoPride is honored to be able to recognize these exceptional young leaders. For more information on this year’s cohort and the Youth Ambassador program, contact info@palmettopride.org or visit palmettopride.org.

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About PalmettoPride: Created as a legislative initiative to fight litter and help beautify our state, PalmettoPride is a 501(3)c nonprofit organization that fights litter in South Carolina by inspiring prevention through education, supporting enforcement, connecting community groups to resources, and mobilizing volunteers.