Big ideas can come from small beginnings, and one Kansas student just proved it in a big way. Archer Grier, a high school student from Olathe, has been awarded the President’s Environmental Youth Award (PEYA) by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for his inventive and inspiring sustainable fish-breeding project at Cedar Lake.

The award was presented by EPA Region 7 Administrator Jim Macy during a celebratory ceremony at the EPA’s Lenexa office, where Archer was joined by project sponsor and Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) Fisheries Biologist Zach Ramsay.

“Archer’s project is a shining example of what young environmental leaders can do when they combine science, teamwork, and a passion for nature,” said Macy. “He’s not just solving problems, he’s setting the bar for youth environmental stewardship nationwide. This is exactly the kind of forward-thinking the PEYA award was created to honor.”

Archer’s project started with a love of bass fishing and a concern for the health of Cedar Lake. After hearing about a major fish kill at the site, he decided to act. Partnering with KDWP biologists and local scouts, Archer designed and built an eco-friendly fish-breeding cube using repurposed PVC pipes and drainage tubing. The handmade structures were then deployed in the lake to help restore the aquatic ecosystem.

His efforts didn’t just help the fish; they brought the community together. The project sparked local interest in sustainable fishing and environmental action, showing that one student’s vision can ripple out to make a big impact.

Apply Now for 2025 Environmental Awards

The EPA is currently accepting applications for the next round of PEYA and the Presidential Innovation Awards for Environmental Educators (PIAEE). The deadline is Monday, December 1, 2025. Eligible projects can focus on topics like recycling, school gardens, water quality, AI in the environment, and more. More info is available on the PEYA and PIAEE pages. As America looks ahead to its 250th anniversary, the EPA is spotlighting young changemakers like Archer Grier who are shaping the future of our environment — and proving that age is no barrier to leadership.