VICENZA, Italy (November 15, 2018) -- Two Vicenza High School students were recognized at the U.S. Army Garrison Italy headquarters building Nov. 14 for their volunteer work with U.S. Army Garrison Italy's Directorate of Public Works.
Garrison Commander Col. Erik M. Berdy presented 11th-graders Kaley Smith and Julia Lombardi with Certificates of Appreciation at the quarterly Environmental Quality Control Committee meeting.
Smith and Lombardi worked at Environmental Division on Caserma Ederle this past summer, where they collaborated with garrison officials on waste management, energy conservation, recycling and other matters.
"We at the garrison appreciate what you did to contribute to the Vicenza community and help out the Environmental Division," said Berdy. "We're thankful for your efforts and the hard work you put in."
During their tenure at DPW, the students took part in projects as diverse as tracking garrison pollution levels to controlling mosquito larvae. Lombardi -- a native Italian speaker -- communicated important environmental information to non-English speaking local nationals, while Smith was tasked with collecting tree data and updating hazardous waste information.
DPW volunteer Jennessa Peterson, who worked with the students over the summer, said she was impressed by the students' diligence, creativity and enthusiasm.
"The energy they displayed to take on whatever task was amazing," she said. "I hope they continue to pursue their passion."
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