Way to Go: Arianne Papa, Long Beach

Arianne Papa is working to improve her community's local water quality -- one pharmaceutical at a time.

The Long Beach High School senior coordinated a drug collection in which residents brought in unwanted or expired medication for proper disposal during the school's winter concerts in December.

Papa said the idea stemmed from a science research project she did with classmate Jane Smyth that revealed "very low levels" of aspirin and ibuprofen in nearby Reynolds Creek.

"Sewage treatment plants are not testing for pharmaceuticals before discharging the water on the environment," said Papa. To spread the word about her efforts, Papa said the school allowed her to hang fliers in hallways and place an automated phone call to families.

Papa and Smyth's research project -- which used mussels to filter treated sewage effluent -- earned them two gold medals last year at the 2011 International Sustainable World (Engineering, Energy and Environment) Project Olympiad, also known as I-SWEEEP. They also took a second-place award last year at the International Science & Engineering Fair.

Papa is a drum major in her school's marching band, an officer in the National Honor Society and vice president of the Tri-M Music Honor Society.