17-03-2025
Commissioners thank teacher and business for keeping county clean
POTTSVILLE — Schuylkill County Commissioners recently commended a volunteer and a business for the work they do to keep the community clean.
Kaye Schwenk, a biology teacher and biology club adviser at Schuylkill Haven High School, and Hydro-Extrusions North America, a business in Cressona, were both thanked for their efforts.
'Schuylkill County is a great county,' said Commissioner Larry Padora.
Schwenk, who received the Volunteer of the the Year award, is one of seven volunteers to receive the 2024 award from Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful. Recipients get a certificate of recognition and glass tumblers made from recycled bottles. Hydro, which received the Community Partner Award, is one of seven community partners statewide to receive the honor, a certificate of recognition and a plaque from Schuylkill Keep It Pretty (SKIP), an affiliate of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful.
Mandy Fitzpatrick, chairperson of SKIP, said Schwenk has contributed to the betterment of the county by her numerous efforts.
Among her many accomplishments are participating for 24 years in highway litter cleanups in the county, leading tree plantings for 12 years with the Pennsylvania Game Commission, and coordinating the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission's trout classroom program and trout stocking efforts with the Schuylkill Headwaters and Schuylkill Haven Recreation Commission.
Hydro, which has been participating by adopting a highway for more than 20 years, consistently sponsors events in which employees participate in litter cleanup. Employees collected 57 bags of trash in 2024 during fall cleanups along Route 61, according to a press release from SKIP.
The company also has recycling initiatives and community sponsorships.
Residents can join in spring cleanups April 26 through May 4 in Schuylkill County. Supplies will be provided. Email skiplitter@ for more information.
