06-05-2025
Allen Lima Youth Leadership projects try to improve community
May 5—LIMA — Five teams representing 10 schools presented projects at the Lima Rotary Club on Monday that identified a community problem and proposed a solution, with $1,500 awaiting the winner.
Projects included mental health and suicide prevention from Teens for Change, substance abuse and addiction prevention by the Clean Team, addressing poverty from the Poverty Purgers and the impact of recycling and limiting waste by the Green Stars.
The winning team, Soil Savers, discussed how to reduce food waste through composting. The group received the most votes from Rotarians and will be awarded a $1,500 donation from the United Way of Greater Lima to support the project's advancement.
According to data from the presentation, 530,000 tons of food and $1.7 billion of food are wasted in the U.S. each year.
The team plans to implement compost bins inside and outside schools as soon as funding is received.
"Composting can be broken down into four simple steps: the first one being scrapping, then decomposition, maintenance and the formation of compost," Olivia Venturella said during the presentation.
Other students will play a prominent role both within and towards the project goals.
"We're going to take our winnings and get actual compost bins, not ones that we created, so they would be easier for students to use in local areas," said group member Michael Quatman.
Each member of Soil Savers is a student at Lima Central Catholic High School.
Following presentations, 30 local high school sophomores and juniors celebrated their graduation from the Allen Lima Youth Leadership Program Class of 2025.
The Allen Lima Leadership Youth Program began in 1995. The program actively involves, educates and challenges youth to reach their fullest potential as leaders.
Reach Cade Higgins at 567-242-0351
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