STUDENT PROFILES Grad's field is natural choice

Sarah Ellis' mom instilled in her the virtures of nature and values of conservation.
YOUNGSTOWN -- Sarah Ellis has always had a desire to make the world a better place to live.
When Ellis was very young, her mother, Elizabeth, would take her to places such as Mill Creek Park, talking about the virtues of nature and instilling in her daughter the values of conservation.
Ellis, now 22, listened well.
Since enrolling at Youngstown State University in the fall of 2000, Ellis has become one of the most active environmentalists on campus, taking leadership roles with the Youngstown Environmental Studies Society, YSU America Recycles Day, YSU Earth Day and YSU Dump and Run, a program that recycles tons of items from the campus's residence halls each semester.
"I've learned a lot about interacting with people, public speaking and how to get people to contribute their abilities and work together and show how people can make a difference," Ellis said.
Ellis receives a bachelor's degree in environmental studies, with a minor in biology, at YSU's spring commencement at 10 a.m. today in Beeghly Center.
Accomplishments
A Boardman High School graduate, Ellis boasts a long list of activities and accomplishments in her four years on campus: a member of the University Scholars program, an officer in the YSU Italian Club and induction into four honorary societies, including Golden Key and Phi Kappa Phi.
She also recently received the Vindicator Award for the Most Well-Rounded Student on campus and the YSU Pin Award for Outstanding Graduating Student Leaders.
But she has left her biggest mark in the area of the environment.
"Since Sarah first stepped on the YSU campus, she has devoted herself to the cause of upgrading the environmental consciousness of the university," said Ron Shaklee, director of the University Scholars and Honors Programs.
Jim Petuch, manager of YSU Support Services' Recycling and re:Create program, said Ellis' commitment isn't a new phenomenon.
"I have known her since she was a student at Boardman High School and headed a group called Teenage Rage Against Senseless Havoc," Petuch said. "And she wanted to commence a recycling and reuse program."
Ellis said Petuch, known on campus and throughout the Youngstown community as "Mr. Recycle," has been an inspiration.
"Jim has always been enthusiastic and dedicated to his work," she said. "He has worked so hard over the years."
Next step
After graduation, Ellis says she would like to stay in the Youngstown area and find a job that deals with the environment.
"The area is improving environmentally, and I'd really like to help that continue," she said. "I got so much out of growing up here, and I'd love to give something back."
She said she also hopes to stay involved in YSU's recycling programs.