FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 7, 2024 COLUMBIA, S.C. – Thirteen South Carolina schools were recently awarded grants to support the education of the next generation of environmental stewards, the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) announced today. The “Champions of the Environment” awards are issued each school year to foster environmental education and action in South…, said Myra Reece, SCDES Interim Director., “With the help of our great partners, we look forward to the many projects Champions of the Environment will support in classrooms across the state for years to come.” SCDES started Champions of the Environment in 1993 with the goal of encouraging, enabling, and recognizing youth environmental education projects that develop awareness, promote behavior change, or improve and protect our water,…, said Amanda Ley, SCDES’s coordinator for the Champions of the Environment program. , “The Champions program helps students and teachers make a lasting impact by increasing opportunities for students to get hands-on environmental education.” The 2024-25 Champions of the Environment winners are below. $2,500 winners: Charleston Collegiate School, Charleston County Clay Hill Elementary School, Dorchester County Fennell Elementary Magnet School, Hampton County Guinyard Butler…
three people stand beside a bridge under a sign reading "George J. 'Geordie' Wallinger, III Bridge" Formerly the “Harbor Island Bridge” in Beaufort County was renamed to the “George J. ‘Geordie’ Madlinger III Bridge” on Oct. 7, 2024. “Geordie was a beloved member of the Bureau of Coastal Management (formerly the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management) for 31 years, and his impacts in the…, said Kelsey Fogarty, Coastal Services Project Manager, . “Geordie dedicated years of service protecting South Carolina's coastlines and was a shining example of service over self.” The bridge was renamed in his honor per the South Carolina General Assembly Concurrent Resolution H. 4319, which states: “Whereas, Mr. George J. ‘Geordie’ Madlinger III is a Beaufort County native who is a devoted husband and father, who enjoys fishing, boating, shrimping…
