Wilson Hall among 15 state schools to win nearly $30,000 for projects

COLUMBIA - Fifteen South Carolina schools have been awarded a total of $29,350 through the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services' Champions of the Environment program to support student-led environmental education projects, including Wilson Hall in Sumter.

The annual grant program recognizes K-12 schools for projects that promote environmental stewardship through hands-on learning. This year's winning projects focus on pollinator gardens, habitat restoration, resource conservation and environmental monitoring.

"These projects give students the opportunity to take what they learn in the classroom and make a meaningful difference in their communities," said Myra Reece, SCDES director. "By encouraging hands-on environmental education, we're helping inspire the next generation of South Carolinians to protect and preserve our state's natural resources."

Wilson Hall was recognized for its Outdoor Learning Garden, for which Environmental Science students "will create and maintain a native pollinator habitat. Adult volunteers will guide students in the installation of rain barrels, downspout diverters and a drip irrigation system. Students will record their observations of soil health, precipitation levels, water requirements and wildlife diversity and share the data through QR codes on educational signage," according to the state department's website.

"A Master Gardener will help identify the appropriate garden location, evaluate soil and water conditions, select plants and develop a garden plan."

Established in 1993, Champions of the Environment encourages students to develop and implement projects that protect South Carolina's air, land and water. Winning schools are selected based on student involvement, effective use of grant funding, community outreach and partnerships.

"Working with community partners gives students real-world learning, career awareness and community connection while promoting environmental stewardship," said Amy Ley, SCDES Champions of the Environment program coordinator.

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

For more information about the winning projects and future grant opportunities, visit des.sc.gov/champions.