The United Way & Volunteer Services' April Volunteer of the Month is the Yankton High School Environmental Club. Club members include Katy Adam, Lesleigh Ailts, Scott Arens, Emma Bauer, Lisa Becker, Betsy Bies, Jodi Blackinton, Vandy Borders, Sarah Buhl, Justine Butler, Caitlin Crandall, Amanda Cyr, Sam Dannenbring, Aaron Dewald, MaryChar Erickson, Mandy Fischer, Shannon Fitzsimmons, Jill Foss, Emily Freng, Jacque Frick, Cassie Goeden, Laura Gollnick, Bridget Henderson, Jessica Howell, Leslie Johnson, Jason Jorgensen, Patricia Leibfarth, Jens Lillevold, Hannah Lincoln, Tara McNeeley, Justus McShannon, Amanda Parker, Katie Prater, Anna Russo, Kristina Schlapkohl, Cassy Schultz, Cassie Scoblic, Maria Skorey, Becky Somer, Bryce Somer, Zach Walter, Emilie Weisser, and Ben Zeeb and Advisor Angie Hejl.

These high school students have made an impact in our community by making a difference in Yankton's appearance. They clean up school grounds during homeroom and, weather permitting, after school. Some of their other projects are to present anti-littering programs in the local elementary schools, organize and promote plastics recycling at the high school, and help with city and river clean-up.

Most of the students say that what they like best about being in the Environmental Club is that it allows them to make a difference and give something to the community, while being able to enjoy the outdoors. The students like being involved in making a difference in our community because they are interested in the cause of creating a better environment starting with their own school.

Angie Hejl, the club's proud advisor says, "These students have really taken the initiative. They have great ideas and are very enthusiastic about this cause. Some are even quite passionate about it. They are a great group of kids to work with."

The students plan to expand their efforts by promoting the recycling of plastics at football games and cleanup after activities such as Homecoming, among others.