(PennWATCH) The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful (KPB) honored students across Pennsylvania for their commitment to raising awareness about litter and the importance of keeping our communities clean through art, writing, and video in the annual Litter Hawk Youth Award Program.

“Every student that takes part in the Litter Hawk program knows that litter is bad, and they are encouraging their friends, their parents, their neighbors, and their communities to be good stewards and keep Pennsylvania beautiful and litter free,” said DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley. “As we’re preparing for America’s 250th birthday we want to put our best foot forward and the entries this year emphasize loving our nation and keeping it litter free.”

This year’s Litter Hawk Youth Award theme is “Celebrate America250 – Keep It Beautiful!” in support of the nation’s 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026. Students were asked to show how we can all keep our communities litter free for America’s 250th birthday. Over 500 students participated in this year’s program. Promotional partners included Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and PA Turnpike Commission.

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Learn more about the Litter Hawk Youth Award Program!