Topeka (WIBW) - Keep America Beautiful - Topeka/Shawnee County announced some its volunteers and partners are in line for national recognition.

The organization will receive six awards at the Keep America Beautiful 56th annual National Conference in Washington, D.C. in December.

“On behalf of Keep America Beautiful-Topeka/Shawnee County, I would like to congratulate and thank all of our partners in government, business, civic groups, youth groups, schools, and also all of our KAB volunteers for their hard work and dedication all year long," Philicia McKee, executive director, said. "We would encourage everyone to take part in making a difference in this community by joining our volunteer family.”

Among the winners:
Washburn University—Schools Category-Litter Prevention— 2nd Place
For the 2008-2009 school year, Shawnee County schools had 100% participation in the KAB focus areas of litter prevention, recycling, beautification and graffiti abatement. Without the support of the schools, the most important ambassadors of KAB—the young people, would not be informed about the importance of environmental stewardship and service to our community. It is their world that we are working to improve, beautify, protect and preserve. The support shown by the school administration, teachers, staff and parents is very much appreciated.

Washburn University has recognized the importance of educating the entire person, and service to our community. They work in cooperation with Americorps VISTA providing programs in core focus areas such as: Into the Streets, Students Today Forever Leaders, Parksaid, Green Fair and the Lutheran Church youth.

Westar Energy—Business Category-Beautification— 2nd Place
Westar Energy helped with the Oprah Winfrey Big Give House project, and to create a new park “Elmhurst Greens” in the past year. They have also shown environmental commitment with their purchase of energy from Rolling Meadows Landfill, their Green Team and wind farms.

Frito Lay, Inc.—Business Category-Waste Reduction— 2nd Place
Frito-Lay helped with board personnel support, making copies and providing many bags of chips for our volunteers at events including our annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon. They have a Green Team and participate in the Adopt A Highway program.

Each of these nominees competes with nominations from 600 other KAB affiliates, so this is a great honor to receive these recognitions in our community.

The volunteers of the local Keep America Beautiful affiliate will be recipients of the following awards:

There was a 62% decrease in cigarette litter in the areas where the program was implemented. This award recognizes the hard work and innovative ideas of the volunteers who helped with this program.

Also, Keep America Beautiful-Topeka/Shawnee County will receive a 1st place Affiliate Award designation for cities with a population of 50,000-200,000.

The affiliate will also receive the President’s Circle Award. These awards recognize program excellence, partnership support and the hard work and many hours committed by the volunteers to improving the community on behalf of Keep America Beautiful.