By Travis Sloat

Karen Wiseman is the head volleyball coach at Belle Plain High School, but when she’s not encouraging her girls to clean up spikes on the court, she’s leading the school body in an effort to clean up and recycle at their school. “Upon learning that our materials were not being recycled in our building, I knew that we really needed to start some sort of recycling initiative,” Wiseman said. “We have talked as a staff for some time and this year decided to make things happen. The high school staff are always willing to get involved and do whatever it takes in order to get things done. I also asked for student volunteers to help with the collection and distribution of the recycled items. 

“We are blessed at BPHS with some great student leaders who were willing to be a part of a recycling team,” Wiseman continued. “It is our goal to encourage our students to take ownership in this important program. I stress that even a small effort can make a difference. I want our high school students to realize that our planet is in their hands now and it is time for us all to do our part.”

Wiseman said she hopes that the responsibility of recycling at BPHS continues, and that the students eventually take the reins of the project. “We hope to increase awareness of the importance of this project, and ultimately inspire every individual to do their part to help our planet,” she said.

In her free time, Wiseman said she enjoys watching her kids and grandkids’ sporting events, and spending time with friends and family. She said she is very grateful to continue doing something she loves: coaching. “I have always loved the game of volleyball and the competition,” she said. “I feel fortunate to have been involved in the sport for so many years.”