Missy Martin was recently named the Project Green Challenge 2015 Global Champion after claiming first place at the finals, held in San Francisco, California. Martin surpassed thirteen other finalists, selected from thousands of participants, who attended the eco summit and worked together alongside esteemed eco leaders.

Among other tasks, finalists interviewed farmers about sustainable practices, cooked FLOSN (fresh local organic seasonal non-GMO) meals, radically decreased water usage, changed personal care and cleaning routines, launched petitions advocating for social change, met with school administration to work toward better practices and planted pollinator gardens. Winners were chosen by a panel of judges.

Of her experience Martin said, “It is one thing to know how to act to create change for people and the planet, and it is a whole other thing to actually make those changes. PGC pushed me to act and be a changemaker. I am no longer someone who simply just knows the facts. I am a driven, passionate global citizen who wants to develop ideas, mobilize others and change the world in the best way that I can.”

The competition was hosted by nonprofit organization Turning Green, a student-led global movement devoted to education and advocacy around environmentally sustainable and socially responsible choices for individuals, schools and communities. TG seeks to engage youth in the transition from conventional to conscious living, empowering the generation and mobilizing action to sustain a healthy, just and thriving planet.

For Martin, the opportunity to get involved with TG and its network has been invaluable. “The guidance and resources Turning Green provided me this month epitomizes the root of relationships, the budding of connections and the blooming of friendships in the global community by providing me the opportunity to engage in discussions and take action with local leaders, school administrators, peers, friends and family,” Martin said.

As the champion, Martin received the grand prize package, valued at more than $12,000, which includes a $5,000 Green Award from Acure Organics, a trip to the Natural Products Expo in Anaheim from Aubrey Organics, a $1,000 Whole Foods Market gift card, a trip to the Gaia Herbs farm in North Carolina, a head-to-toe eco makeover complete with clothing, bath and body products and other great prizes.

Mary Allyson McGinnis, a Belmont sophomore double majoring in music business and marketing, was crowned Miss Murfreesboro 2016 on Nov. 14 Middle Tennessee State University’s Tucker Theater. As Miss Murfreesboro, McGinnis will compete for the title of Miss Tennessee in June 2016. The winner of Miss Tennessee will progress to compete for the title of Miss America.

McGinnis has chosen Big Brothers Big Sisters as her volunteer platform, an organization that pairs adult volunteers with children facing adversity. “I truly love serving my community and have a passion for helping children transition through the adversity they face. It is important for us to prepare all children for success in life,” she said. McGinnis currently serves as president for Belmont’s student organization, Bigs@Belmont and has helped recruit 54 new members to work alongside children in the Nashville community.

To McGinnis, this is more than just a title and a crown. “It is my honor and privilege to represent Murfreesboro. I see this opportunity as a job and responsibility to be a positive role model and serve the community by being true to who I am.”

Blog Social ranked Belmont no. 16 on its recent list of The 25 Least Expensive Private Schools.

Using data from the 2014-2015 school year provided by the U.S. Department of Education, StartClass found the 25 private universities with the lowest tuition for full-time students. For this study, only schools with at least 5,000 undergraduate students and a Smart Rating of 80 or higher were considered.

The rating scores each college on a scale of 0-100 in order to rate the overall quality and is determined based on financial affordability, career readiness, admissions selectivity, expert opinion and academic excellence.