The Oak Ridge Site Specific Advisory Board (ORSSAB) and the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Oak Ridge Office of Environmental Management recognized Alana Joldersma and Sophia Cui for completing terms of service as the board’s student representatives for 2015-2016.

ORSSAB is a federally chartered citizens’ panel that provides recommendations to the DOE Oak Ridge Environmental Management (EM) Program, which is responsible for the cleanup of the Oak Ridge Reservation. Each year the board seats non-voting student representatives from area high schools to engage the perspectives of local students on environmental issues. In addition to participating in monthly meetings, students serve on the board’s Environmental Management & Stewardship Committee.

Alana and Sophia were honored at the board’s May meeting as outstanding student representatives for the 2015-2016 term. Sue Cange, Manager for DOE’s Oak Ridge Office of Environmental Management, presented the pair with plaques of recognition and congratulated the students on their recent accomplishments. “On behalf of the Department of Energy and the advisory board, I thank you both for your service and participation during this past year,” said Cange. “We hope to see you both return as members of the public at our future meetings,” she added.

As high school seniors, both Alana and Sophia maintained busy schedules in addition to the time they spent at board and committee meetings.

Alana, a graduating senior at Oak Ridge High School, received regional recognition for a letter she wrote to Gov. Bill Haslam regarding the Syrian Refugee Crisis. She also later received responses from Senators Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker. She is a talented musician and earned 2nd Chair this year as a cellist in Tennessee’s All-East Orchestra. After graduation, Alana will attend the University of California, Davis to major in communications and nutritional sciences.

Sophia, a graduating senior at Hardin Valley Academy, actively volunteers with the Red Cross and served as past president of the American Red Cross Club at her school. As an avid tennis player, Sophia has been a dedicated member of the Hardin Valley varsity team for several years. After graduation, she will attend the University of Tennessee (UT), Knoxville as a Haslam Scholar. Sophia plans to study abroad this summer at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland with her fellow Haslam Scholars. In the fall, she will begin her studies in neuroscience and public health at UT.

Belinda Price, ORSSAB Chair, also thanked the students for their time and acknowledged their commitment to the board. “You have both made valuable contributions to our proceedings and aided in the success of our board during the past year. It has been our pleasure to work with you both,” said Price.

ORSSAB meets the second Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. at the DOE Information Center located at 1 Science.gov Way in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Additional information about the board and its student representatives is available online at www.energy.gov/orssab or by calling ORSSAB staff at (865) 241-4583 or 241-4584.