OUTRAGEous acts rewarded in Provo

Provo students received the President's Environmental Youth Award on Wednesday for their efforts to make Utah County parks smoke-free.

The Environmental Protection Agency honored middle school and high school students who are part of the OUTRAGE Anti-Tobacco Youth Group for their efforts in collecting cigarette butts in parks and organizing community sessions to inform the public about the dangers of secondhand smoke.

"These young environmental leaders have made the air better to breathe for children and adults alike who enjoy Utah parks," said Wendy Dew, EPA's environmental education coordinator. "These students were frustrated with exposure to secondhand smoke in public parks where they play and decided to take action. The result will have great impact for the citizens in their community, and OUTRAGE is to be commended for creating such lasting change."

— Lana Groves