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        Local environmental stewards recognized for dedication to sustainability and community leadership

HAMPTON, NH (June 24, 2025) – On Thursday, June 19^th, Aquarion Water Company recognized this year’s Environmental Champion Award winners in a special ceremony at the Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. Each year, Aquarion selects a business, a non-profit organization, an adult, and a student to be recognized for their commitment to sustainability and environmental protection. Winners in the business, non-profit, and adult categories receive a $5,000 grant to support an environmental non-profit of their choice. The student winner receives a $1,000 award.

“This year’s award winners have not only made an incredible impact on their local environment but have also inspired many others to follow in their footsteps and strive for lasting change in the preservation of New Hampshire’s natural resources – which is why they are deserving of the title Environmental Champion,” said Carl McMorran, New Hampshire Operations Manager at Aquarion Water Company. “As a fellow environmental steward, Aquarion is grateful for the opportunity to recognize organizations and individuals who care deeply about their local ecosystems, and we look forward to seeing all they continue to accomplish.”

The winners of the 2025 Aquarion Environmental Champion Awards are:

Green Wave Electric Vehicles, North Hampton, NH (Business)

Within its community, Green Wave is seen as more than a business. It is a purpose-driven organization committed to reducing the carbon footprint of transportation and fostering a cleaner, healthier environment for all. Beyond its sales initiatives, Green Wave's staff engages the community through partnerships, education, and impactful sustainability initiatives. The company plants 100 trees for every vehicle sold, contributing tens of thousands of trees to combat climate change. It also supports local organizations and hosts educational events at universities and community spaces, empowering people to adopt clean energy alternatives. Additionally, Green Wave’s community efforts focus on equity and inclusion, with plans to expand EV charging infrastructure at minority- and veteran-owned businesses, helping to remove barriers to clean transportation. Green Wave Electric Vehicles exemplifies how businesses can assume leadership roles in climate solutions. The company’s dedication to providing fossil-fuel-free transportation options and fostering community engagement makes it a true environmental champion in New Hampshire’s transition to a sustainable future. 

Lake Sunapee Protective Association (LSPA), Sunapee, NH (Non-Profit)

Founded in 1898, LSPA’s impact is wide-ranging and deeply rooted in conservation. Central to its work is the Watershed Management Plan, launched in 2020, which aims to reduce phosphorus pollution by 7.5% over ten years through targeted projects addressing erosion, stormwater runoff, and shoreline restoration. The organization’s efforts to prevent aquatic invasive species have kept Lake Sunapee free of invasive threats, safeguarding its pristine waters for future generations. In addition to its conservation and education efforts, it engages learners of all ages through free, hands-on programs, workshops for professionals, and community events. These programs empower residents and visitors alike with knowledge and tools to protect their local environment and foster a strong culture of stewardship. LSPA also partners with regional researchers and utilizes innovative technologies, such as satellite remote sensing, to advance water quality science. Through every watershed project, educational workshop, and volunteer effort, LSPA continues to champion the health and beauty of the Lake Sunapee Region. 

Brianna Hagan, Hampton, NH (Adult)

As Conservation Coordinator for the Town of Hampton, Brianna Hagan regularly leads community education and outreach initiatives through quarterly newsletters, the town’s website, special events, and panel discussions. Recently, she organized a program designed to educate at-risk neighborhoods on how to prepare for coastal and stormwater flooding and erosion. Thanks to the project, Brianna helped the Hampton Beach community become winter-ready with emergency preparedness packages, community network initiatives, and infrastructure improvements. Ms. Hagan also regularly supports the replanting of Plaice Cove and Sun Valley dunes, which play a critical role in protecting the nearby neighborhoods from flooding. In addition to overseeing the local community garden, she has also supported the conservation of approximately 83 acres of land in Hampton. Brianna also coordinated numerous events as part of Earth Month 2025, including a film screening, clothing swap, dune planting, beach cleanups, Styrofoam recycling collection, Town Forest cleanup, a star-gazing event, garden planning and seed-starting workshops, and a Hampton Climate Symposium.

Michaelena Willis, Kingston, NH (Student)

Motivated, thoughtful, and action-oriented, Michaelena is a key member of her school’s Environmental Club, where she leads initiatives focused on waste reduction, holds clean-up events, and raises awareness about climate issues. Michaelena also represents youth perspectives as part of the Kingston Conservation Commission’s outreach efforts, where she helps shape programming that encourages community involvement in local conservation. Additionally, she recently organized a student forum on climate resilience and serves as a mentor for younger students interested in environmental careers. In collaboration with local nonprofits, Michaelena has helped develop hands-on activities that highlight the importance of wetlands and biodiversity in the region. Her efforts culminated in the planning of the 2025 Youth Sustainability Symposium, which brought together students and community leaders from across southeastern New Hampshire for a day of education and climate action. Whether presenting at town events or volunteering at nature centers, Michaelena consistently uses her voice to inspire action.

To learn more about Aquarion’s 2025 Environmental Champion Award winners, please visit www.aquarionwater.com/awards.

About Aquarion Water Company:

Aquarion Water Company is the public water supply and wastewater treatment company for more than 780,000 people in 73 cities and towns in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire.  It is the largest investor-owned water utility in New England and among the seven largest in the U.S.  Based in Bridgeport, CT, Aquarion has been in the public water supply business since 1857.  Across its operations, Aquarion strives to act as a responsible steward of the environment and to assist the communities it serves in promoting sustainable practices. Aquarion Water Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eversource.

For more information on Aquarion Water Company, please visit www.aquarionwater.comor www.facebook.com/aquarionwater.

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