A mayoral proclamation was made before the Whitesboro City Council and those in attendance on Tuesday, May 7 declaring May 14, 2024 as Keep Whitesboro Beautiful (KWB) Day.
Mayor Dave Blaylock presented the proclamation to KWB President Michael Ross, Vice President Rhonda Ross and Treasurer Nicole Nichols.
Keep Texas Beautiful recently recognized KWB as one of 10 winners of the 2024 Governor’s Community Achievement Award (GCAA) as an outstanding clean and beautiful community. KWB was awarded a $110,000 grant to be used on beautification projects on a state highway located in the City of Whitesboro.
The GCAA has awarded this prestigious award to community organizations for more than 30 years. The GCAA is meant to recognize communities for their outstanding efforts in maintaining the beautification of their surroundings.
Additionally, this specific award is one of the most coveted annual environmental and community improvement honors in Texas. Winners of the GCAA are judged on their achievements in seven environmental and community improvement areas: public awareness and outreach, environmental education, beautification and community improvement, litter prevention and cleanup, solid waste management, litter law and illegal dumping enforcement.
Ross believes it was KWB’s diverse approach to the organization’s mission that set them apart from other cities in their category. From a partnership with the city to invest in a clean and vibrant downtown area to adding new benches and implementing an “Adopt-a-Pot” program with local businesses, KWB has worked hard on downtown beautification.
KWB also focuses on community engagement. Their E-Waste recycling program enables Whitesboro residents to recycle electronics. All WISD school campuses have a tower garden for students to plant, cultivate and harvest food served to the students. Fall Sweep clean-up, weekly Workday Wednesday and a kids’ craft and education station at community festivals provide opportunities for the community to gain awareness of and play a role in bettering the town.
“The grant is validation that the work the volunteers provide to the Whitesboro community has worth,” Ross said.
KWB is always looking for volunteers. Even those unable to do physical work can help in other ways. Please reach out to KWB to learn more information about the organization and volunteer opportunities.
