Students hit the beaches for second annual ESC Western Reserve cleanups
Published by: The News Herald
Original article found here.
The beach can be a popular spot in the summer for swimming, tanning or just hanging out.
For a group of Lake County students freshly done with classes for the school year, they hit the shores of Lake Erie for two days with a much bigger cause in mind.
More than 40 student leaders from across Lake County school districts participated in the second annual Lake County Beach Cleanups, with service events at Headlands Beach on June 2 and Fairport Harbor Beach on June 4.
The cleanups brought together students committed to protecting the environment, strengthening their communities and serving as positive role models for their peers.
Through hands-on service, students are collecting litter and debris from the shoreline while promoting environmental stewardship and community pride.
According to a news release, the event organized by Christine Henninger, ESC Western Reserve’s Integrated Student Supports and Wellness Services coordinator and her team, the cleanup events are part of ESCWR’s ongoing efforts through the Drug-Free Communities Grant, which aims to prevent substance use and promote youth engagement.
During the cleanups, students are also documenting drug-, tobacco-, and alcohol-related waste found along the shoreline, contributing to a larger effort to identify patterns of substance use and improve community safety.
“These events highlight the power of community and student leadership,” Henninger said. “Not only are students helping protect the environment, but they are also playing an active role in promoting healthy, safe communities while recognizing the impact they can have on the world around them. I’m proud of their dedication and grateful for the support from our local schools and partners.”
According to the release, participants earn community service hours for their efforts and gain a deeper understanding of environmental stewardship, substance use awareness, and civic responsibility. The cleanups reflect the mission of the Drug-Free Communities Grant by educating youth, raising awareness about healthy choices and providing opportunities for students to engage in meaningful service.
Through projects that improve their local environment, students gain valuable leadership experience while demonstrating the power of youth-led action.
“These students are done with school they don’t have to be here and certainly don’t have to sign up for two days on summer vacation, but is so refreshing to see the commitment,” Henninger said.
ESCWR Superintendent Jennifer Felker also praised the initiative.
“This is a prime example of how education extends beyond the classroom,” Felker said. “Our students are learning the real-world impact of civic responsibility. I commend Christine, her team, and our student volunteers for leading with compassion and purpose.”
ESCWR pointed out the support of the initiative from Ron Graham, WIC Director of the Lake County Health Department, Pat Hengst, Executive Director of the Lake County Narcotics Agency and G-Licious Pizza.
Hengst was on site at the Headlands on June 2 and said it is always good to see youths take initiative and get hands-on experience with how the environment and their surroundings can be affected.