Sierra Club

This year, the SC Sierra Club honored its State Chapter Award Winners at the Columbia Museum of Art in downtown Columbia.

The recipients of the 2009 South Carolina Sierra Club Awards Were:

Media Person of the Year:

Tony Bartelme, writer for the Charleston Post & Courier (Charleston, SC).  This award is given to an individual in recognition of outstanding, positive contribution to the environment in South Carolina through journalism.

Silent Footprinters:

Michael Miller (Florence, SC) & Jim Robey (Columbia, SC).  This award is given to a Sierra member who has gone above and beyond expected performance in an unobtrusive Club role. The recipient need not have a formal title or position.

Conservationists of the Year:

Peggy Brown (Florence, SC) & Stewart Christner (Seneca, SC).  This award is given to a Sierra member who has made a major and extraordinary contribution to a statewide or national conservation campaign.

Palmetto Pathfinder:

Bill Turner (Charleston, SC).  This award is given to a Sierra member who has exhibited outstanding effort and influence in organizing, leading and recruiting for exciting outings in South Carolina.

Carolina Sierran:

Starr Hazard (Mt. Pleasant, SC).  This award is given to a Sierra leader who has administered a position or office in the Chapter with unusual skill and success.

Elected Official of the Year:

Rep. James E. Smith, Jr. (District 72, Richland County, Columbia, SC).  This award is given to an elected official in recognition of current or past environmental efforts and achievements, with preference given to legislators and other officials serving at the state level.

Group Achievement Award:

Pee Dee Chapter (Florence, SC) – Chair Ann Stoeckmann.  This award is given to Groups for outstanding activity in any area of Club activity. Groups may nominate themselves.

Student Environmental Excellence Award:

Allison Smetana (Chapin, SC).  This award is given to a Sierra Student Coalition member or other member of Sierra attending a school, college or university in South Carolina who has exhibited high achievement in the areas of environmental projects, environmental awareness, and/or enhancement of the organizational well-being of Sierra in South Carolina.

Distinguished Service Award:

Eric Thompson (Greenville, SC).  This award is given to a member who has contributed long- term, outstanding service and accomplishments to the Chapter.

These award winners were recognized at the South Carolina Sierra Club’s First Annual Awards Reception, which was held at the Columbia Museum of Art in downtown Columbia, South Carolina.