06/10/2026
During our last Citizens Advisory Board Meeting we were honored to present a very deserving member of our Green Youth Advisory Council with the Lynn Cobb Student of the Year Award, Named in honor of a former executive director of the Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation and a true champion of environmental education, this award celebrates the achievements of an environmental steward between sixth and twelfth grade.
Our 2025 Lynn Cobb Student of the Year Award went to Sophia Yuan, a rising senior at Parkview High School who is already making a global impact through youth-driven environmental leadership. She founded Clean Choices Together, a youth-led nonprofit that helps small businesses transition away from plastic packaging through sustainable materials, data-driven tools, and storytelling. What began with her own small jewelry business has grown into an international network of more than 400 members, 150 volunteers, and 12 student directors spanning 30 states and 19 countries, helping 81 businesses reduce plastic waste and reach more than 239,000 shoppers.
Sophia also serves on the Jane Goodall Roots & Shoots Youth Council USA, the Plant-for-the-Planet Global Ambassador Council, and Project Green School’s National Youth Council, where she collaborates with youth leaders and shares environmental resources with thousands of students.
Closer to home, she contributes her energy and ideas through Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful’s Green Youth Advisory Council, where she is helping launch a garden at Camp Creek Elementary School. She also represented Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful at 2025 Climate Week in New York City, sharing insights on sustainable packaging and youth-led environmental solutions. Sophia’s vision, leadership, and commitment show how one student can inspire both local action and global change. Congratulations Sophia!
