HUNTSVILLE – Once greenhorns perhaps when it came to environmental issues, a collection of local students are now practically veterans in the subject.
Last week, the City of Huntsville Green Team celebrated its first year of the Green Ambassador Program by honoring students and teachers at the inaugural awards ceremony at the Jaycee Community Building in John Hunt Park.
The program recognized honorees for their dedication and commitment to environmental education and other sustainable initiatives. Schools were commended for recycling programs, building community gardens, outdoor education, upcycled art and hydroponics along with other education curriculum.
“When we started the Green Ambassador program, we wanted to expand Green Team’s mission in the schools and really connect with students about the importance of taking care of our environment and our community,” said Brian Walker, director of Landscape Management and Green Team. “We are really proud of the work that has been done in our first year. We had 20 schools create a Green Ambassador team in their schools and over 9,000 students were involved.”
Green Team Education Specialist Joel Donelan sees the awards ceremony potentially becoming more than just a celebration of students and teachers leading sustainability efforts.
“Our goal is to create a network of resources and to build community for all those who are looking to make sure that we leave this city and planet better than we found it,” he said.
Sponsors supporting the Green Ambassador program and representatives presented awards. Sponsors are Mazda Toyota Manufacturing, Reworld, Redstone Federal Credit Union and Indorama Ventures.
AWARD WINNERS:
Green Guardian Educator of the Year
- Lynn McQueen, Holy Spirit Regional Catholic School
Green Guardian Educator of the Year nominees
- Jaida Allen, Academy for Science and Foreign Language
- Christine King, Williams Middle
- Stephanie McCreary, Williams Middle
- Jay Stark, Montessori School
- Chelsea Montgomery, Montessori School
- Dr. Lindsay Schliesman, Monte Sano Elementary
- Dr. Tracy Carter-McKinnes, Rolling Hills Elementary
- Dr. Timothy Wilkinson, Rolling Hills Elementary
Green Ambassador Leader Student Awards
- Myka Martin, Challenger Middle
- Lily Neal, Montessori School
- Alexa Park, Montessori School
Green Ambassador School Awards
- First place: New Century Technology High, Williams Middle, Monte Sano Elementary
- Second place: Challenger Elementary, Farley Elementary, Montessori School
- Third place: Holy Spirit School, McDonnell Elementary
- Participants: Rolling Hills Elementary, Academy of Science and Foreign Language, Chapman Elementary, Academy for Arts and Academics, Lakewood Elementary, Ridgecrest Elementary, McNair Junior, Challenger Middle, Chapman Middle, Morris Middle, Grissom High, Huntsville High
Indorama Upcycled Art Award
- McDonnell Elementary: Amelia Sanchez, Yasmin Ramirez, Amy Arteaga, Justin Quintero, David Garcia, Alexis Mendez
- Williams Middle: Za’Riah Persons, Arianna Van Horn, A’Zariyhah Lott, Desrin Lavender, Elijah Laster
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