Paladin Wins Student of the Year

Jake Edwards, a senior at South Plantation High School, is the 2010 Environmental Student of the Year. The Broward County Environmental Education Council announced the award at its May 7, 2010 event.

Edwards is a member of the Environmental Science and Everglades Restoration Magnet program and has been active in a variety of disciplines: botany, horticulture, aquaculture and animal science. He plans to attend Nova Southeastern University and major in an environmental science-fish and wildlife area.

He is a member of the ER Ambassadors, a club whose members teach adults and children about conservation of South Florida’s natural resources at weekend events. He also wore the costume of Freddy, the mascot of the South Florida Water Management District, and local events. He was been a member of the Envirothon team that won first place in Broward in 2010 and competed on the state level.

At the Green Gala on May 12, 2010, the magnet’s celebration that honors Youth Environmental Stewardship, he won the $500 Everglades Foundation Scholarship for his work. Bert Waters, SFWMD Broward Service Center’s Director, presented Jake with a “Freddy” award.