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Sanford Summer Stories: Jack Flairty Named 2015 Delaware Young Environmentalist

9/28/2015

Ninth grader Jack Flairty was named Middle School Young Environmentalist of the Year by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) during a ceremony at the Delaware State Fair in July.

Governor Jack Markell joined DNREC Secretary David Small and DNREC Deputy Secretary Kara Coats in honoring Jack and seven other students at different grade levels for their environmental stewardship.

“These exceptional young Delawareans are well on their way to becoming the conservationists, naturalists and environmental stewards who will help preserve our natural resources for generations to come,” said Governor Markell. “We appreciate their interest, their talent and the promise they bring for Delaware’s future.”

The DNREC judges cited several aspects of Jack’s work towards protecting the environment. His achievements include serving as a member of Sanford’s Go Green Club, helping with initiatives like fundraising for recycling pickup. For eight years he has volunteered with the Adopt-a-Highway program. He has been a member since 2002 of the Delaware Nature Conservancy, volunteering for them on such projects as spring stream cleanup and the annual horseshoe crab count in the Delaware Bay. He is currently working with the Smyrna Town Council to develop and pass a new ordinance that would require businesses to provide recycling bins outside their storefronts.

Jack’s nominator, Jennifer Merrill, research coordinator with Delaware Sea Grant, described Jack as “a dedicated, intelligent and thoughtful young man who seeks opportunities to serve his community and encourage conservation and protection of our natural heritage.”

The DNREC judges agreed. Michelle Jacobs said of Jack, “From trees to trash, and recycling to planting flowers, and counting horseshoe crabs to stream cleanups and everything in between, Jack covers a lot of ground. He works with the powers that be to implement efforts and he works to raise funds to support projects.” Judges Maggie Pletta and Colleen Holstein said that Jack “encompasses the meaning of a Young Environmentalist.”

Of his dedication to the environment, Jack explained, “My parents introduced me to volunteering and over the years I have become most interested in helping the environment. It does not matter how old you are, you still need to make a difference.”

Established in 1993 in honor of former DNREC Secretary Dr. Edwin H. “Toby” Clark II, the Young Environmentalist of the Year Awards are presented annually to Delaware students who have worked to “protect, restore or enhance Delaware’s natural resources through environmental stewardship, innovative projects and promoting public awareness.”

Many congratulations to Jack on this amazing accomplishment!

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