Jan. 3, 2008
King County seeks nominations of Earth Heroes in local schools
King County is seeking nominations for its Earth Heroes at Schools award. This annual award honors teachers, students, staff, school volunteers, specific programs or entire schools that have contributed to both the protection of the local environment and the education of students on environmental issues.
"Our region has benefited greatly from the environmental actions of our local schools," said King County Executive Ron Sims. "Recycling, restoring habitat, composting lunchroom waste, and growing pesticide-free gardens are among the many types of projects conducted by students, teachers and others in our schools. We want to recognize these leaders and their accomplishments."
Nominations for 2008 Earth Heroes at School are due Feb. 29. Winners will be honored at King County's seventh-annual Earth Heroes at Schools event in April.
Earth Heroes at School honorees last year included:
- John Schmied, a teacher at Skyview Junior High in Bothell, who created an environmental education center in the woods adjacent his school, coordinating the work of 500 students and 60 parents in building trails, removing invasive plants and planting native vegetation.
- Lake Washington High School students Kirsten Minor, Taryn Grant, and Pauline Lau, who took the initiative to increase recycling awareness and participation and had a significant impact on the school recycling program;
- Chautauqua Elementary School Multi-age 1,2,3 Program teachers Glenda Berliner, Tina Taylor, and Gerie Wilson and their students at this Vashon Island school dedicated many hours in the school garden, which has served as an outdoor classroom where students design science experiments, learn to produce food and share the bounty with the food bank.
- Laurelhurst Elementary School's Lunchroom Composting and Recycling Program, which has reduced the school's garbage by 88 percent.
A complete list of 2007 Earth Heroes at School can be found at http://www.metrokc.gov/dnrp/swd/education/earth-heroes.asp.
In acknowledging the accomplishments of environmental leaders in the school community, the Earth Heroes at School Program hopes to inspire other schools or organizations to adopt similar actions.
Earth Heroes can be nominated by colleagues, classmates or the general public. Self-nominations are also encouraged. Nomination forms are available for download on the King County Web site, http://www.metrokc.gov/dnrp/swd/education/earth-heroes.asp, or by calling Donna Miscolta at 206-296-4477.