DOWNEY - Downey High School sophomore Karina Gonzalez was chosen out of thousands of applicants nationwide to serve on a youth advisory council to Keep America Beautiful.The council was limited to 10 students from throughout the country who will act as ambassadors and leaders for youth service in their respective communities and states. Karina was the youngest member selected. Students were chosen based on a written application, geographic representation, grade level and interest area. No more than one member can represent any one state. Karina, a member of the Downey Kiwanis Green Team, was instrumental in getting the city to install cigarette receptacles in Downey parks two years ago. "I am really passionate about eliminating cigarette litter in local parks and public places because cigarette litter affects the health of the community and is harmful to wildlife," Karina said. She traveled to Washington, D.C. Monday accompanied by Downey Kiwanis Club member Brenda Lopez to take part in Keep America Beautiful's national conference. The conference wrapped up Wednesday.

********** Published: January 31, 2013 - Volume 11 - Issue 42