A Conversation with Keiko Huffman, Our 2019 Student of the Year
Keiko, a senior at Kennesaw Mountain High School and an intern at Keep Cobb Beautiful, is one of many people across Georgia joining us in our campaign to #reconsiderlitter. In 2019, she received the Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation Student of the Year Award and the Keep America Beautiful Youth Leader Under 25 Award for her efforts to improve the environment. Read on to discover how you can make a change in your own community!
Photo by Taylor Schwensohn
Why is ending litter important to you?
We are all stewards of the Earth. I believe that it is our responsibility to take care of the land and ensure that it is livable for future generations. I think it is especially important for kids my age to care about the environment because we are going to be entering the workforce soon. Many companies are making strides to become environmentally friendly, and we’re at the age where we can to not only purchase items from those companies but work for them as well. We’re the ones who can make sure these trends continue.
Why did you decide to get involved with Keep Cobb Beautiful?
I have always been passionate about the environment. When I was little, my dad would take me out to the local creek and we would catch salamanders and snakes together. From then on, my passion blossomed. When I decided to apply to be an intern at Keep Cobb Beautiful, I had participated in several volunteer events with them already. I was interested in their mission, and interested in having a career in the environmental field. My favorite project so far would have to be our household hazardous waste event. Setting up and preparing for it took a lot of work, but to see the final result—all the cars lined up, and over 2,000 people showing up to recycle those items instead of allowing them to litter our roads and waterways—was a really wonderful experience.
You’re the environmental chair of your school’s science club and the founder and president of the environmental science club. What inspired you to get so involved in these activities at your school?
I became involved in these activities because I saw the need for them. With science club, we do cleanups along Kennesaw Due West Road which surrounds the school building. One of my favorite moments involved our very first cleanup of the year, which I helped to manage and coordinate. A lot of trash had accumulated, and it was really rewarding to see all of it picked up and thrown away properly.
Seeing the change that occurs after events like that motivates me. I love clearing our streets of litter, or piling up recyclables and sending them off to be put to good use. In environmental science club, I have started a paper recycling program at my school where my peers and I collect paper to recycle from the classrooms.
Keiko receiving one of her awards this winter (Photo: Danielle Christine Photography)
We’re lucky to have students like you help us in our efforts! How did you feel when you first heard the news about your KGBF and KAB awards?
I was surprised and very grateful! I feel honored that people think my efforts make a significant impact. I think volunteer appreciation awards given by organizations such as the Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation and Keep America Beautiful are great—they not only commemorate the actions of the person receiving the award, but encourage others to take action as well.
What guidance can you offer other students looking to help their environment and reduce litter in their own communities?
Any project, small or large, can make a huge difference for your environment. Include your friends! Once they see you making a difference, they will want to become involved too. One small action can allow you to be a catalyst of positive change within your community.
Any project, small or large, can make a huge difference for your environment. Include your friends! Once they see you making a difference, they will want to become involved too. One small action can allow you to be a catalyst of positive change within your community.
What is one thing everyone can do to make his or her community cleaner, greener, or more beautiful?
Wherever you go, if you see litter on the ground, pick it up, even if you only have time to remove just one piece. It will still make a difference.