The U.S. Department of Education has announced its 2014 slate of Green Ribbon Schools and three honorees are Vermont public schools. Champlain Valley Union High School, Camels Hump Middle School and Lake Region Union High School were nominated for the recognition by the Vermont Agency of Education in February.
The announcement was made on Monday, the 44th annual Earth Day. This year, 48 schools were honored for their "exemplary efforts to reduce environmental impact and utility costs, promote better health, and ensure effective environmental education, including civics and green career pathways," according to a U.S. Department of Education announcement.
Champlain Valley Union High School launched a “Push Me” campaign, encouraging the students and staff to turn off computers and monitors at the end of the day in an effort to save energy and to help lower the school’s electricity bills.
Camels Hump Middle School earned its nomination by focusing on the environment, renewable energy, nutrition, and wellness. Throughout the school year, students can be found on Lake Champlain research vessels, local farms, river shore preserves, wildlife refuges, and granite quarries.
In recent years, Lake Region’s agriculture program has changed its focus from dairy to sustainable agriculture and stewardship. The school touts its healthy learning and working environment, energy efficiency, the well-being of its students, and the increased focus on sustainability education and practices.
Thirty states participated in this third year of the Green Ribbon Schools program. Next year, the U.S. Department of Education will add a post-secondary category to the program.
