Calcasieu Parish public health officials presented Litter Champion Awards at a community ceremony, recognizing students, families and volunteers for sustained cleanup efforts across the parish.

Wyvette Pryor Cousin, assistant director of public health services, opened the event and introduced a video montage of volunteers. "I stand in awe of these individuals who saw an issue and instead of saying someone else is going to take care of it, they stepped in to do something," Pryor Cousin said as organizers prepared to present certificates and trophies.

The ceremony featured short remarks from several youth and community volunteers who described why they pick up litter. "I like to pick up trash because I like to keep my community clean," said Bella, age 6. Michael Bergeron, whose family has participated in the campaign since its start in 2019, said the effort helps give the parish "our best foot forward" when newcomers arrive and praised parish support for providing supplies and pickup assistance.

School-based projects were prominent. Ashley Taylor, Beta Club sponsor at Gillis Elementary, said students adopted Topsy Road after noticing heavy litter and now conduct bimonthly cleanups. Teachers at Westwood Elementary, including Ashley Doucet and Taylor Miller, described using the Pick It Up Calcasieu program to teach students stewardship and civic value; Miller thanked the campaign for supplying materials that enabled student participation.

Melissa Cortaro described organizing intergenerational and beach cleanups in Calcasieu and neighboring Cameron Parish, noting volunteers have removed hundreds of items, including large debris. Young participants also described environmental motivations: "When people throw trash on the ground, when it rains, it goes into the sewers and it gets flushed out into the ocean," said Mila, summarizing why cleanup matters for wildlife.

Certificates of recognition were read and presented on behalf of the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury; named recipients called forward included Bella, Mila, Olivia LeGroff, Alyssa Pitaro, Michael Bergeron, the Gillis Elementary Beta Club and Westwood Elementary. After brief closing thanks — including praise for the parish communications department's video — the host adjourned the event.

The presentation highlighted local volunteerism, school engagement and a continuing parish campaign that organizers said began in 2019; no formal votes or policy decisions were taken at the ceremony.