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SCDES Community Star Award

Overview

The SCDES Community Star Award is an official recognition program designed to honor the businesses, community organizations, and local groups that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to protecting South Carolina’s natural resources.

Rather than just a title, this program serves as a premier platform to highlight those who go above and beyond in the areas of environmental stewardship, sustainability, and long-term resilience.

From grassroots initiatives to innovative local solutions, Community Stars prove that everyday actions lead to meaningful, long-lasting impacts. These honorees serve as shining examples of collaboration and leadership, reflecting a deep-seated care for South Carolina’s air, land, water, and coast.

Current Nomination Period

The 2026 nomination period ended Feb. 28, 2026. Stay tuned for an announcement in early 2027 for the opening of the next nomination period!

Why the Community Star Program Matters

The SCDES Community Star Award celebrates those who are building stronger, more resilient communities by protecting the natural resources we all depend on. Through science-based solutions, public service, and sustainable practices, Community Stars embody SCDES’s commitment to a healthier environment for current and future generations.

Eligible nominees include businesses, individuals, schools, local governments, community organizations, volunteer groups, and collaborative partnerships whose work positively impacts the natural environment within their communities through:

  • Environmental stewardship
  • Sustainability practices
  • Environmental education or awareness
  • Protection and preservation of natural resources

Permit Holders

Nominees who hold an agency-issued permit must be in compliance with permit conditions and have no recent deficiencies, violations, or enforcement actions.

Anyone may submit a nomination, and self-nominations are encouraged.

Use the following criteria to help identify strong nominees:

Businesses, Schools & Local Governments

  • Demonstrate environmental excellence and innovation
  • Maintain a strong, positive presence in the community
  • Implement effective solutions to local environmental concerns
  • Are recognized as leaders and cooperative partners within their communities

Individuals

  • Raise awareness and take meaningful action related to air, land, water, or coastal issues
  • Champion sustainability at the local level
  • Are respected for their dedication, leadership, and impact

Community Organizations, Volunteer Groups & Partnerships

  • Demonstrate the power of collaboration
  • Work collectively toward a shared environmental goal
  • Create measurable benefits for community health and environmental sustainability

Anyone may submit a nomination, and self-nominations are encouraged.

A selection committee comprised of SCDES environmental experts and agency leadership will review all nominations using a weighted scoring process. Honorees are selected based on environmental impact, community benefit, innovation, and sustainability of efforts.

Being selected as a Community Star comes with a comprehensive package of recognition designed to celebrate and amplify the recipient’s achievements.

Recognition Includes:

  • Publicity & Media Coverage
    • Statewide news release
    • Feature story on the SCDES blog
    • Spotlight across SCDES social media platforms
  • Digital Branding
    • Official Community Star digital badge for use on websites and social media
  • Physical Awards
    • Formal printed certificate
    • “Community Star” window sticker for storefronts or offices
  • Permanent Recognition
    • Name engraved on the official Community Star plaque displayed at SCDES
  • In-Person Presentation
    • Formal award presentation hosted at the recipient’s place of business or an agreed-upon location
    • Ceremony featuring Agency Director Myra Reece and SCDES leadership

To nominate a business, individual, or group, complete the Community Star Award Nomination Form by February 28, 2026.

2026 SCDES Community Star: Charles Wingard, WP Rawl Farms

For questions or additional information about the Community Star Program, please contact:

Lesley Jones 
Director of Strategic Outreach 
South Carolina Department of Environmental Services 
📞 803-497-6299 
📧 lesley.jones@des.sc.gov