|
|
|
|
|
|
April 26, 2004
King County celebrates local schools’ Earth Heroes
Environmental stewards to be honored for significant contributions
King County Executive Ron Sims on Thursday, May 6, 2004, will honor students,
teachers, administrators and school staff for their invaluable contributions to protecting and preserving
King County’s natural environment. The ceremony will be held at 4 p.m. at the Community Center at
Mercer View, 8236 SE 24th Street, Mercer Island.
The Earth Heroes at School Awards honors students, teachers, administrators and
volunteers as well as innovative school-based programs that are working hard to maintain the rich
integrity of our region and our high quality of life.
“The Earth Heroes at School give selflessly to protect the environment for the people
of this region, and educate young people about the importance of becoming committed earth stewards,"
said Executive Sims. “Together we are integrating environmental understanding and protection within the
education process.”
The Earth Heroes at School Awards is part of a countywide Earth Legacy Initiative
which consists of a number of programs that protect and enhance King County's environment.
Many of the exceptional people and outstanding projects in King County schools that are making
a difference can be models for similar projects in other schools, classrooms and communities.
"I am truly inspired by the passion, innovation and dedication of our local
heroes to make environmental preservation a legacy in King County," said Sims. “Each of our
honorees is an incredible example after which we should model our own actions. Each Earth Hero
exemplifies the spirit of service by working tirelessly on behalf of our environment,” Sims continued. “We
are fortunate to have these environmental stewards in our midst.”
This year’s Earth Heroes at School include:
TEACHERS
Jeff Cleaveland – Ballard High School Jeff teaches his chemistry students how they can live responsibly by helping to conserve natural resources and reduce greenhouse gasses, groundwater pollution and ozone depletion. Cathy Garrand – Kenmore Junior High School Cathy has spearheaded an ongoing project to restore an area adjacent to Kenmore Junior High. She has recruited volunteers, obtained donations and grants, and educated her students and herself on soil features, water quality, and native plants. Vince Howard – Kentridge High School Vince is exposing hundreds of students to the importance of water quality in urban creeks for healthy salmon runs. Using detailed maps provided by the City of Kent, his students locate access points to collect water samples. Sheryl Lundahl – Parkwood Elementary School Sheryl has facilitated Parkwood’s 3rd to 6th grade volunteer after-school Recycling Club for several years, encouraging 20 or more students each year to take on this responsibility. David O’Keefe – Snoqualmie Elementary School David has developed an inspiring nature program for his first grade classroom. He has constructed a walk-in terrarium with native plants and animals borrowed from the Snoqualmie Elementary Wetlands Trail. Michael Popelka – St. Therese School Michael’s enthusiasm and dedication has contributed to the success of the Madrona Woods Project, an effort to restore native species and reclaim habitat. Nancy Reidel – Kent Elementary School An advocate for the environment, Nancy encourages her fifth-graders to learn about and practice preservation of their natural surroundings. Mike Ritscher – Holy Rosary School Nine years ago Mike developed two science units that continue to be highlights in the seventh and eight-grade curriculum. These units on raising and releasing salmon, and planting and harvesting an organic garden give students first-hand experience in the importance of preserving and protecting our natural environment. Patricia Shelton – Odle Middle School Since 1996 Patty has spearheaded environmental projects at Odle Middle School. She has implemented the Salmon in the Classroom program, acquired Audubon Sanctuary designation for the campus and led the effort to restore a wetlands for outdoor study. STUDENTS Ervin Chavarria – John Stanford International School Ervin, a fifth-grader, is a leader in his school’s recycling program. He has worked to organize teachers and students to effectively participate in the recycling program. Earth Freaks Students – Kamiakin Junior High School Having researched and learned about watershed issues, the students in Carrie Stauffer’s service learning class adopted Edith Moulton Park near their school. STAFF/VOLUNTEER Jean Allison, Norma Gilbert, Darlene Hatcher – Bennett Elementary School Lead custodian Darlene and lunchroom staff Jean and Allison worked as a team to successfully pilot a milk carton recycling program in partnership with the City of Bellevue, the Bellevue School District and King County. John Gates – Newport Heights Elementary School As lead custodian John has made tremendous impacts on waste reduction and recycling since joining the staff in 2003. Gary Hartness – Bellevue High School Gary, a graduate of Bellevue High School in the 60s, volunteers his time to ensure that the school’s recycling program runs efficiently. Marian Peiffer – Newport Heights Elementary School As principal at Newport Heights, Marian has had a great impact on recycling and waste reduction though her advocacy, support and action. Matt Walters – Villa Academy Extended Day Program Matt implemented a dynamic after-school ecology program that has resulted in an Extended Day Program where the Earth is celebrated through exploration and conservation everyday. Northwest School and Northwest School Environmental Interest Group Students and staff have participated in stream and wetland restoration projects 10 to 12 times a year for the past three years. They have been involved in planting native trees and shrubs, weeding and mulching, trail work, nursery work and construction of deer fencing throughout King County. West Seattle High School Environmental Science Academy With teacher Kevin Barth, the Environmental Science Academy became involved with the restoration of Sanislo Elementary School wetland. White Center Ponds Project - Cascade Middle School Cascade was the first school to participate in the King County Lake Stewardship Program, which enlists volunteers to monitor the water quality of the county’s small lakes. White Center Ponds Project - Evergreen High School Evergreen High School has been one of three schools participating in the youth-driven White Center Ponds Project. White Center Ponds Project - White Center Heights Elementary School Fourth, fifth and sixth-grade students at White Center Heights have been gathering data at Lake Hicks since December 2003 and have participated in work parties to remove invasive species, plant trees, and spread mulch. Related information: Earth Legacy Initiative Web site Updated: April 26, 2004 Executive's news Executive's site map | E-mail the Executive By visiting this and other King County web pages, you expressly agree to be bound by terms and conditions of the site. The details. |
|