2019 Rogers Scholar and Adair County High School student Reilly Wells planned and coordinated an Earth Day clean-up project.
Due to COVID-19 health and safety requirements, she had to scale back the project to include a select group of family members and friends.
Wells had originally planned a larger school event to promote the importance of environmental protection and preservation to coincide with Earth Day on April 22.
“Even if this was a smaller project, I felt it mattered to our community,” Wells said. “I have always been one to participate in environmental clean-up projects.”
In observance of Earth Day, she recorded a Public Service Announcement (PSA) encouraging students in Adair County to help conserve and protect the environment.
Columbia Mayor Pamela Hoots commended Wells for her Earth Day project. “I’m glad to see someone of your age wanting to do something impactful for her community,” she said.
Each graduate of The Center for Rural Development’s Rogers Scholars program is required to complete a community service project. For more information about Rogers Scholars, visit www.centeryouthprograms.com.