Post-Gazette: Allegheny County Teen Gavin Lynch Receives Nobel Good Earth Sustainability Scholarship For Fighting For A Greener Future, One Of 2 Nationwide

On December 11, Post-Gazette reporter Roberta Burkhart reported that Fox Chapel Area High School senior Gavin Lynch earned the National Society of High School Scholars’ Nobel Good Earth Sustainability Scholarship; one of only two students nationwide to receive the award this year.

“Gavin was chosen for the NSHSS Good Earth Sustainability Scholarship for his longstanding commitment to environmentalism and community advocacy,” according to an email statement from the organization. “From speaking at local Board of Supervisors meetings at just 10 years old to championing protections for frontline communities affected by fracking, Gavin's devotion to his cause has never wavered.” 

“His work spans local and national engagement, from helping strengthen local oil and gas regulations to testifying before the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, showcasing both leadership and a deep understanding of what environmental stewardship is all about,” it continued.

For Gavin, 17, environmental activism didn’t start with a grand plan. It began with tagging along with his mom to community meetings and events held by Moms Clean Air Force, a national environmental advocacy group that aims to protect children from air pollution and climate change.

Gavin’s mother, Vanessa Lynch, is the Pennsylvania campaign coordinator for Moms Clean Air Force and a Fox Chapel Area School Board director.

At first, he handed out information sheets and talked to visitors about fracking, natural gas and “the new hydrogen cells and stuff,” encouraging passersby to learn more or perhaps sign a petition. It didn’t feel like much — until it did.

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(Photo: Gavin Lynch, center.)

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[Posted: December 11, 2025]  PA Environment Digest