If a neater Earth is a more fruitful one, and, if indeed, children are our future, then a pair of Manheim Township elementary school students are out to make the world a better place to live.

A few months back, local residents Nadia Weaver and Reese Guarnero were selected as first-place winners in the annual Litter Hawk Youth Award program. At the time, Reese was a second-grade student at Nitrauer Elementary School, and Nadia was a first-grader at Reidenbaugh Elementary School.

Nadia and Reese created and colored posters illustrating positive changes that can be made to reduce trash, garbage and clutter in public spaces. The program was sponsored by Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, and the Manheim Township students were two of over 900 Pennsylvania students in kindergarten through sixth grade who participated in the educational campaign.

"I care about litter in the environment," said Reese. "It's trash that people throw on the ground. It hurts animals and plants, and if we litter too much, we don't have enough fresh water. All the ideas (for my poster) came from my head."

"We have cows at our farm," said Nadia. "So I thought I could draw one for the contest, and I used a stencil. You have to pick up litter. It's from people who are messy who throw it around. It doesn't look pretty. Certain animals eat litter, and if they do, they could die. And if they step on it, they could get hurt."

In addition to advocating against litter, Nadia helps on her family farm, caring for steer, gardening and harvesting fresh produce. A member of Hammer Creek Mennonite Church, Nadia is big sister to Karli, 4, and Luke, 2.

When asked what she wants to be when she grows up, Nadia said, "I haven't decided yet." She continued, "I have a couple things I'm thinking about. I'm thinking about being a doctor or a nurse, an artist or a magician. Just because I think they'd be fun to do. I also like to help people."

An avid recycler, Reese wants Nitrauer Elementary to begin a composting program. She enjoys spending time with animals and being in nature, and two of her favorite activities are gymnastics and roller skating.

"I want to be a person who goes and picks up litter," said Reese, "just because I like picking up litter around my neighborhood and at school. I do it at my school a lot. When I see it, it makes me sad."

Reese's and Nadia's winning entries were displayed in the East Wing Rotunda of the state Capitol in Harrisburg from May 4 to 26. Entries for the program are annually received from the fall until Jan. 31, and then they are judged before winners are announced during Earth Month, April.

Students can participate individually or as part of a classroom or an organized group.

This year's theme was "PA Fights Dirty - Every Litter Bit Matters."

"The theme changes each year," said Stephanie Larson, program coordinator for Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful. "We were thrilled with the responses and had a really difficult time choosing the winners. They all did such a great job."

For additional information about Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, go to http://www.keeppabeautiful.org.