WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Executive Director Katie Loovis today announced the 2008 Take Pride in America® National Award recipients in 10 different categories. These individuals, groups, corporations, and partnerships will be honored at an awards ceremony held July 18th at the U.S. Department of the Interior in Washington, D.C.

“Today I have the privilege of announcing the 2008 national award winners.” said Loovis. “These outstanding individuals and groups have volunteered tens of thousands of hours enhancing and preserving public lands for all of us to enjoy. We look forward to shining a light on their service and publicly thank them on behalf of a grateful nation.”

Each year, the award winners are selected by a panel of independent judges from hundreds of qualified nominations representing outstanding examples of stewardship across the country. This year, there are 11 National Award winners, representing projects and events in more than 8 states.

The projects range from a group called the “Trash Dogs,” that are dedicated to eliminating illegally dumped trash along National Forest roads in Oregon - to - Houston middle school students who maintain a local park trail, run a comprehensive outdoor classroom, and remove invasive species. All in all, this year’s national award winners are a diverse group that showcases many of the important and creative ways in which volunteers can Take Pride in America.

Take Pride in America is a national partnership program aimed at increasing volunteer service on America’s public lands. It is the goal of Take Pride in America to empower volunteers from every corner of America to maintain and enhance our natural, cultural, and historical sites. Take Pride in America encourages citizen stewardship through an innovative public awareness campaign and an interactive website that showcases volunteer opportunities at natural and cultural sites. For more information, visit http://www.takepride.gov, or check out our blog at http://takeprideblog.blogspot.com.

2008 Take Pride in America National Award Winners

Spirit of Take Pride

• First Lady Laura Bush; Washington, D.C.

Individual

• John V. Webb; Folkston, GA

Non-Profit Organization

• NPLD – A program of the Environmental Education Foundation; Washington, D.C.

Public/Private Partnership

• The Trash Dogs; Brookings, OR 
• Sabre Holdings Travelocity Division and the City of Grapevine Parks & Recreation Department; Grapevine, TX

Federal Event/Program

• Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts; Vienna, VA

School Program

• Holy Trinity Episcopal School; Houston, TX

Corporation

• The Charles C Hart Seed Company; Wethersfield, CT

State Event / Program

• Take Pride in America in Southern Nevada; Las Vegas, NV

Youth / Youth Program

• Will Schoenhals; Broken Arrow, OK

Faith-Based Group

• The young men of the Yuma Arizona State, of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints; Yuma, AZ

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