The DeKalb Citizens’ Environmental Commission has been handing out the annual PRIDE awards to individuals, businesses and organizations since 1993.
The People Responsible for Improving DeKalb’s Environment awards highlight local actions that improve the environment. Awards were presented in four categories: Beautification and Preservation, Education and Public Information, Energy Conservation, and Waste Reduction.
Previous PRIDE winners
There have been many award winners over the 30-plus years of PRIDE awards. Here are some highlights to demonstrate the diverse types of actions that can be nominated.
NIU biology professor emeritus Paul Sorensen won in 1995 for advising the NIU student group Committee for the Preservation of Wildlife since 1972 and the group’s work establishing the Wilkenson-Renwick Marsh.
Banks have won for designing buildings around existing trees (1998) and for cleaning up existing sites for new buildings (2004).
Homeowners have won for maintenance and landscaping of their home (1998).
The Friends of the DeKalb Public Library won in 2004 for obtaining grants to replace/upgrade light fixtures.
The DeKalb Highway Department won in 2002 for installing LED traffic signals.
The NIU Department of Public Safety won in 2004 for becoming the first police department in the nation to use hybrid patrol cars.
Local businesses have won for producing reusable materials (1999) manufacturing building material with high-insulating value (1995) and diverting materials from landfills (1995).
Schools and organizations such as the Kiwanis Club have won for providing educational materials about the environment.
Master Gardener Michael Kirk won in 2018 for measuring and mapping trees around DeKalb.
The most recent award recipients include Harrelson’s Bikes for a Cause for fixing up donated bicycles to donate to local families. Greg Romaneck was recognized for his volunteer work removing litter from the Kishwaukee River during his frequent kayaking. The junk removal company We Remove Things was recognized for a resale shop that keeps items out of landfills.
Introducing the DeKalb STARR Awards
The Citizens’ Environmental Commission felt a new name was needed to prevent confusion due to the relation of Pride with the LGBTQIA+ community.
The awards will continue but with a name change and an updated set of categories. The DeKalb STARR Awards (Sustainability Through Action, Resiliency and Responsibility) will recognize individuals, youths, businesses and organizations in DeKalb that are nominated by the residents of DeKalb.
New categories will be Ecological Impact, Community Engagement and Education, Environmental Leadership and Advocacy, Innovation and Green Technology, and Economic Contribution to Green Economy.
PRIDE awards previously have been presented at the DeKalb County Farm Bureau’s Earth Fair, the Hopkins Park Community Center and the DeKalb Municipal Building. DeKalb STARR awards are expected to be presented this year at Earth Fest in April.
Who will be this year’s DeKalb STARR?
Please nominate a person, business or organization you believe should be highlighted for bettering DeKalb and the environment.
The nomination form will be available on the city of DeKalb’s website later in January. Watch for news releases and social media posts on the start of the nomination period.
- Rob Srygler earned his Ph.D. at Northern Illinois University and is a tenured biology faculty member at Rock Valley College. Srygler is a member of the city of DeKalb’s Citizens' Environmental Commission.