The Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation (KGBF) honored Keep Smyrna Beautiful (KSB), the City of Smyrna Recycling Center, and KSB volunteer Eric Dennis with the following awards this month at Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa in Young Harris:

• Clean Community Champion Award – Keep Smyrna Beautiful. Recognizes a group that strives to change the attitudes and behaviors toward litter in its community, through cleanups, educational workshops, promotional campaigns, or other preventative measures.

• Waste Reduction Warrior Award – City of Smyrna Recycling Center. Highlights the achievements of a group that has made significant strides in minimizing the impact of waste in its community through recycling, composting, or adaptive reuse projects.

• Carolyn Crayton Volunteer of the Year Award – Eric Dennis. Named in honor of Georgia’s first affiliate leader, and someone who galvanized thousands of volunteers throughout her own career, this recognizes a passionate individual who has dedicated an extraordinary amount of time and effort to improving the local environment.

Each year, KGBF celebrates individuals, groups, and organizations that exemplify efforts to protect the state’s environment through litter prevention, waste reduction, recycling, and beautification.

“We’re honored to have Smyrna recognized by the Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation,” said Julie Barwig, Executive Director of Keep Smyrna Beautiful and Environmental Services Director for the City of Smyrna. “The Clean Community Champion Award highlights our team’s commitment to reducing litter through education and action. The Waste Reduction Warrior Award celebrates the incredible work of our Recycling Center in promoting sustainability and providing effective and accessible recycling services. And we are especially thrilled to celebrate Eric Dennis, whose unwavering volunteer spirit and commitment to Smyrna’s tree canopy embodies the very heart of the Carolyn Crayton Volunteer of the Year Award.”

Award recipients are chosen following a local nomination process and the recommendations of a team of representatives from multiple environmental agencies. In total, nine individuals or organizations were selected in unique categories.

“It’s always inspiring to recognize the people and programs leading the way in environmental stewardship,” said Natalie Johnston-Russell, executive director of KGBF. “This year’s honorees exemplify the dedication and creativity it takes to build a cleaner, greener, more beautiful Georgia.”

These three awards are a testament to the successful partnership between KSB, the City of Smyrna, and the residents of Smyrna. Together, their hard work and dedication keep Smyrna a clean, green, and beautiful place to call home.