LANSING | The Weather Channel named Dwayne Mitchell an Eco-Ambassador.

Despite the prestigious award, the Thornton Fractional South High School junior contends he's just a normal teenager.

"I just do my part to help," he said.

Mitchell is among about 20 teenagers nationwide to be named Eco-Ambassadors by The Weather Channel.

Mitchell plans to study botany in college and has been a member of the Arbor Day Foundation since 2004.

While botany and recycling are big parts of his life, they aren't the only ones. He's also on the varsity basketball team.

A seventh grade science project helped spark his interest in plants, and for years, he has cultivated a green thumb, he said. Mitchell has planted several trees in his backyard and they continue to thrive.

"I've got a blue spruce, pear tree and little maple," he said, motioning toward the window. "They are like little babies."

The Eco-Ambassador contest recognizes teens like Mitchell who've helped the planet with various green initiative, David Blumenthal, Weather Channel spokesman, said.

"Young people like Dwayne are achieving great things and setting a good example for other kids to get involved," he said.

In the past, winners have attended a summit in Washington D.C. The Weather Channel is still finalizing plans for this year, Blumenthal said. This contest's winners receive $2,200 each and The Weather Channel also plans to feature them on its Web site, he said.

"Hopefully, (the contest) will demonstrate to them that good works are rewarded and recognized," Blumenthal said. "Hopefully, it will inspire others in the community to do more."

Mitchell received the award after submitting an essay and being interviewed. Blumenthal said he and other winners showed they've taken a leadership role in their communities.

Mitchell encourages others to do their part for the environment and takes pride in seeing the recycling bins full on his street. When he noticed neighbors throwing away recyclable items, he asked them to try throwing the items in the recycling bin instead, Mitchell said. He also helped his cousins, ages 3,4, and 7 plant trees in Chicago last summer, he said.

His mother Debra Mitchell said she and her husband can't take credit for their son's fondness for plants and attitude about recycling.

"It's natural for him," she said. "The interest is in him, watching things grow."