Two Southland schools and a local school district were nominated Friday to compete in the U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools recognition program, which honors schools that excel in energy conservation and environmental education.
The El Monte Union High School District, Los Cerritos Elementary School in Long Beach, and the Susan Miller Dorsey High School in Los Angeles were chosen by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson.
The schools and district were also named “Green Achievers,” the highest honor in California’s Green Ribbon awards program.
“I applaud these schools for their commitment to helping students learn about the environment and to adopting their own policies to save energy and resources,” Torlakson said. “By incorporating environmental literacy and sustainability practices, these schools are creating stronger and healthier campuses and communities.”
The announcement came at a press conference at the El Monte Union High School District.
Green Ribbon Schools demonstrate exemplary achievement in three areas: reduction in environmental impact and costs, improvement in the health and wellness of schools, students and staff, and by providing effective environmental and sustainability, literacy, incorporating science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education, civic skills, and green career pathways, Torlakson said.
The California Green Ribbon Schools recognition award uses the applications submitted for nomination to the program to recognize schools and school districts across the state for environmental excellence.
— City News Service