E3 Washington Awarded US EPA Grant for Educator to Educator Initiative
E3 Washington is pleased to announce receipt of a United States Environmental Protection Agency Regional Model Grant for the “Educator to Educator Initiative for Student Learning: A Pacific Northwest Model for Collective Impact”. The award, in the amount of $216,000 over a two year period, will bring together the four environmental education associations in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, including the Alaska Natural Resource and Outdoor Education (ANROE), Idaho Environmental Education Association (IdEEA), Environmental Education Association of Oregon (EEAO) and E3 Washington. These organizations will collaboratively develop and implement a model linking classroom core subjects with community-based experiential learning through executing their respective environmental and sustainability literacy plans. The award was announced at the E3 Washington Summer Evening event on June 27th at the McKinstry Innovation Center in South Seattle.
School districts and their community-based partners from the business, tribal, governmental and nonprofit sectors in all four states will also be integrally involved in the development and execution of these models. Stated Jeff Phillip, Manager of Public Affairs for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Pacific Northwest Regional Office, “We are really looking forward to the implementation of this grant and the improvements it will mean for students. What is learned across the four states may become a model for others to utilize regionally and beyond.” For project technical support, E3 Washington will engage Washington-based organizations and professionals. These organizations will provide project evaluation, research, as well as technical support to the multiple school district-community teams involved in infusing field and project-based sustainability and systems learning into the curriculum, professional development and assessment.
Abby Ruskey, E3 Washington Executive Director explained, “This initiative addresses two critical questions in the field of environmental education today. One, what are the multiple strategies needed in order to link classroom and community-based educators for increased student learning and environmental stewardship? Two, what is the system, from the student and teacher in the classroom to the community, up to the district, state, regional and national levels that is needed for implementation of state environmental literacy plans?” Both questions, when addressed, will result in a model that provides a picture of the current and desired system and the multiple strategies, resources and tools needed in order to fully infuse high quality, field and project based environmental, sustainability and systems learning into students K-12 in and out of school curriculum.
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E3 Washington’s Summer Evening Event Celebrates Excellence in Sustainability and Systems Education
On Thursday June 27, 2013 a wonderful evening was spent at the McKinstry Innovation Center celebrating the teachers, students, schools, school districts, businesses, tribes and community based organizations that provide exemplary sustainability and systems learning. Each was selected from a pool of candidates from across the state and has made momentous progress related to the E3 Washington goals. E3 Washington recognized “Green Apple” awardees and partnered with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) to award “Green Ribbon” schools and school districts. To top it off, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), in partnership with the White House Council on Environmental Quality, presented its annual Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators to an exemplary teacher (see listing of all award winners at the bottom of this article). It was an evening filled with fun and inspiration for all who attended.
In addition to honoring 24 award winners, participants heard from Dennis O’Donoghue, VP of Test and Evaluation at The Boeing Company who told the story of how his organization has utilized systems thinking and dynamics to meet the challenge of 100% safety and implications for student learning, workforce development and sustainability. Randy King, Superintendent of Mount Rainier National Park spoke on behalf of the Secretary of the Interior, Sally Jewell, recipient of the E3 Washington President’s Award. Cassandra Houghton, an award-winning student from the Tahoma School District, also spoke and received a standing ovation. All the while, the honorees, their families, friends and many other supporters of environmental and sustainability education were treated to a sumptuous finger food feast including donated beer from Fish Brewing Company, wine from Chateau Ste Michele and oysters from Taylor Shellfish Farms. A new feature of the event this year was a silent auction that was coordinated by staff of the NW regional office of the National Wildlife Federation.
Nominations for the 2014 E3 Washington Green Apple Awards(see attached document), the USEPA Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators, and Washington Green Ribbon School Awards will open again in early 2014. Start thinking about who you might nominate TODAY. In the meantime, learn below about the 2013 award winners and their inspiring contributions to the advancement of sustainability and systems learning!
E3 Washington Green Apple Awards Winners
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Business Excellence: The Boeing Company, Seattle WA
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Diversity in Action: Laurel James – University of Washington
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Formal Educators: Barbara Bromley- Clear Creek Elementary (PreK-5)
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John Schmied – Skyview Junior High (6-8)
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Tom Armentrout – Bainbridge High School (9-12)
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Dr. James Gawel – UW Tacoma (Higher Education)
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Government Agency: Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver WA
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Informal Educator: Leihla Scharlau – South Sound Estuary Association
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NonProfit/Community Organization: Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition, Seattle WA
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Student Leaders: Cassandra Houghton – Tahoma High School
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Ewan Shortess – Port Townsend High School
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Galen Chuang – Garfield High School
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Wyatt Coffin – Crosspoint Academy
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Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction Green Ribbon Schools Awards Winners
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US Department of Education District Sustainability Awardee: Kent School District
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US Department of Education Green Ribbon School Awardees: Glacier Park Elementary, Maple Valley WA; Sacajawea Elementary, Vancouver WA; Tahoma Senior High, Covington WA; The Evergreen School, Shoreline WA
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Washington State Green School Leader: Discovery Elementary, Mukilteo WA
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Washington State Green District Leader: Olympia School District; Vancouver School District; Mercer Island School District; Tahoma School District
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U.S. EPA Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators Winner
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Ralph Harrison, Science and Math Institute, Tacoma WA
Congratulations to the awards winners who support and/or provide sustainability and systems learning experiences, curriculum, teacher professional development, evaluation and research to students of all ages, in and out of the classroom across Washington State! And a heartfelt thank you to our event sponsors and contributors Weyerhaeuser, Tahoma School District, McKinstry, Pierce Conservation District, Republic Services, Cedar Grove, Fish Tale Brewing, Taylor Shellfish Farms, Chateau Ste Michelle, National Wildlife Federation, the Palenshus Family, Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism, Brandon Boyd, the Broadway Center in Tacoma, Come Back Sports, Fremont Spine and Wellness, Hale’s Ales Pub, Northwest Outdoor Center, Ray’s Boathouse in Ballard, Rock Salt, Seattle Great Wheel, Stonington Gallery, The Kyles, Cathy and Doug Ryder, Thrive Massage in Seattle, and Woodland Park Zoo.
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No Child Left Inside Act 2013 Passed!
The No Child Left Inside (NCLI) Act of 2013 was introduced by U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Mark Kirk (R-IL) and U.S. Representatives John Sarbanes (D-MD) and Mike Fitzpatrick (R-PA) in Washington DC on 17 July 2013. This bipartisan bill helps bring advanced, local environmental education programs to school while additionally bringing federal assistance to states to implement and develop sustainability literacy plans thus empowering sustainable education nationwide.
The changes in society over the last two decades have necessitated the curtailing of many outdoor programs for schools nationwide. The NCLI Act seeks to bring back opportunities to students and teachers to learn in outdoor and community-based contexts, providing more hands-on and comprehensive learning. It is shown in various studies that when students are able to connect to their core classroom curriculum through out of classroom experiences, their education skills are stronger and their understanding more holistic.
“Teaching children about the environment and giving them a hands-on opportunity to experience nature makes them smarter and healthier. Environmental education should be an important part of the curriculum in our schools. This legislation will help reconnect more kids with nature and raise student achievement in core subjects like math, science, and reading,” said Senator Reed. “Environmental awareness should be second nature for our young people and protecting the environment is crucial to future economic growth.”
“To prepare American students to compete in the 21st century global economy, this bill uses an innovative approach to teaching science and bringing the benefits of outdoor activity to more children,” Senator Kirk said. “Our bill promotes hands-on learning and an integrated curriculum, while bolstering important science, technology, engineering and math education programs."
“Environmental education must be a national priority,” said Congressman Sarbanes. “Hands-on, outdoor interaction with the environment enhances student achievement – not only in science, but also in reading, math, and social studies. By investing in education that will grow the next generation of innovators, scientists and environmental stewards, we will prepare our workforce of the future to meet the many economic, environmental, and energy-related challenges our country is facing.”
“This bill reflects a larger, overall responsibility to promote environmental stewardship across generations,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “Incorporating environmental learning is a down payment on our future. Research shows that promoting a hands-on approach to teaching kids about the environment improves student achievement in science as well as reading, math and social studies – all which directly strengthens our global competitiveness.”
The bill numbers for the No Child Left Inside Act are S. 1306 in the U.S. Senate and H.R. 2702 in the U.S. House of Representatives.
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E3 Washington Honored at Forterra’s 17th Annual Awards Breakfast
E3 Washington was honored with the John Stanford Educational Achievement Award at Forterra’s 17th Annual Awards Breakfast held on May 17th.
Forterra (formerly the Cascade Land Conservancy) Awards and Fundraising Breakfast welcomed over 2,000 business, environmental, education, and elected leaders to celebrate “people and organizations for conserving great lands and building great communities.”
Representing E3 Washington and receiving the award was Effenus Henderson (E3 Washington Board President), Gilda Wheeler, (E3 Washington Board Member), Pam Tufts (E3 Washington Board Member), Chuck Lennox (E3 Washington Grants Manager), Abby Ruskey (E3 Washington Executive Director). Also at the E3 Washington table were Naki Stevens (Executive Policy Advisor on Puget Sound to the Commissioner of Public Lands) and Courtney Sullivan (Education Director, National Wildlife Federation NW Region).
“E3 Washington is deeply honored to receive this recognition from Forterra; one of our state’s most successful and innovative nonprofit organizations,” stated Effenus Henderson, E3 Washington Board President. E3 Washington Executive Director Abby Ruskey added, “Forterra is pursuing partnerships and bold new initiatives such as their new C3 program while continuing to secure and restore natural places for people to learn, work and play for generations to come. Our mission and programs are very complimentary and we’re looking forward to exploring further avenues for collaborative impact.”
The 2012 Conservation Awards Breakfast Award Winners Video features inspiring people and organizations including The Washington Trails Association, The Seattle Center: Next 50 Celebration, and South Central Washington Resource & Conservation Development. Our E3 Washington feature story is the last one included and begins at minute 6:58.
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E3 Board Member, Mike Town, Receives Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators
The White House Council on Environmental Quality, in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, has announced the winners of the 2011-2012 Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators. Eighteen teachers from around the country are being recognized for their exceptional work as leaders in the field of environmental education in formal school settings. Award recipients and their local education agencies will receive monetary awards and commemorative plaques to help support and encourage their use of environmental education in their classrooms and schools.
“To earn this prestigious award, each educator demonstrated teaching skills and innovative use of environmental education that connected students with the world around them in ways that will strengthen their education for years to come,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “Their lessons have put creativity and innovation, community engagement and leadership into practice, teaching students about civic responsibility and environmental stewardship. We are fortunate to have such educators in our schools today.”
The Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators recognizes outstanding K-12 teachers and their local education agencies across the United States for excellence in integrating environmental education into their lessons and connecting students with their communities and the natural world.
This program recognizes and supports teachers from both rural and urban education settings who make use of experiential and environmental opportunities that utilize creativity and community engagement to help students develop a sense of civic responsibility and stewardship in ecosystems. This year’s winning teachers' programs range from field studies in watershed and wetland science in New England to the study of clean energy sources in Colorado and ocean and climate science in Texas, forest ecology and trout studies in the Pacific Northwest and water resource management projects in the desert.
“The educators who have earned this honor are demonstrating leadership and excellence in environmental education, and are harnessing the innovation and imagination of our students,” said Nancy Sutley, chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality. “These teachers are encouraging our nation’s future leaders to take responsibility for being good stewards of our environment, and preparing them to succeed in the 21st century.”
“I am very honored to receive the EPA award and to be a part of the E3 Washington team. The success in environmental and sustainability education at Redmond High School would not be possible without the network of individuals and groups I have had the chance to interact with through the E3 network. E3 Washington is unique in the United States and as an educator I am so glad that E3 opportunity exists.” - Mike Town, Redmond High School, Redmond, WA
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Secretary of Education Celebrates National Environmental Education Week
In a first for a Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan relates how environmental education can be a tool to improve student health and engagement in STEM fields in a public service announcement for National Environmental Education Week. “We know so many of the jobs of the future are in the STEM fields, and there are so many great ties between STEM education and environmental education,” he said. View the PSA >>>
To celebrate EE Week, the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) has released a variety of timely resources. Its video toolkit demonstrates lessons that use technology to connect students to the natural world. Its 10 Apps for Taking Tech Outdoors and Tech & Our Planet info graphic illustrate the widespread use of technology among kids and adults and possibilities for environmental learning, career pathways and implications for the economy. NEEF is also sponsoring an Environmental Educator Photo Contest running through May 31, 2013. Web link: http://youtu.be/tSHxbPqGYo4
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Come Honor the 2013 Recipients of Statewide Awards for Excellence in Environmental & Sustainability Education
E3 Washington's "3 e's" Summer Evening
A Summer Celebration of Environmental & Sustainability Education for All
June 27, 2013
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Register Here
E3 Washington Green Apple Award Winners:
Formal Educator Awards (4 awards) – recognizes outstanding formal environmental and sustainability educators in WA state. This award has 4 categories: PreK-5, 6-8, 9-12, and College/University.
Formal Educator (Prek-5): Barbara Bromley, Clear Creek Elementary
For the past three years, Barb has been an active participant in the West Sound GreenSTEM Network, which was developed to support teachers and students engaging in STEM field-based investigations and sustainable design projects. Each year she takes her 4th grade students on a journey to learn and make a difference in the environment. She excels not only in designing elegant learning experiences, but also in connecting with the world outside of school, both locally and globally. She works extensively with local community partners and exemplifies a teacher who engages her children in learning about sustainable systems.
“How do you measure the inspiration a fourth grade teacher gives her students? I can see it in the eyes of her “kiddos”, as they stand tall and confidently explain what they have learned to anyone who will listen. I have no doubt that these children will grow to adults who have more than the knowledge to care for the Earth; they have the heart and confidence that they can make a difference.” – Karen Lippy, Olympic Educational Service District 114
Formal Educator (6-8): John Schmied, Skyview Junior High
John is one of a select group of teachers that has worked tirelessly to provide students with an understanding of what sustainability is and the choices they and their families have to lead more sustainable lives. He will work tirelessly with anyone, anywhere, anytime to promote positive action for balancing our resources with our desire for modern conveniences. He is forever renewing his passion for this work; continually developing new ideas, while supporting existing programs he has launched over the years. John uses everything from worm ranching, service learning in the environment, to research on utility websites to make learning fun and authentic for students.
“I think what is amazing about John is how much he inspires his students. Every year his students propose and actually do a project he created called, “A Gift for the Environment” where they each do something special to help the environment. Student projects have ranged anywhere from planting native plants and eradicating invasives, to convincing their parents to buy CFL’s, energy star appliances and even hybrid automobiles!” – Jennifer Howell, Triangle Associates
Formal Educator (9-12): Tom Armentrout, Bainbridge High School
“Tom Armentrout is the epitome of what teacher should aspire towards. He encourages his students to think outside the box, take on challenges and think big. It is my belief that Tom's approach to teaching creates lifelong learners and stewards of the environment.” – Kristen Cann, Salish Sea Expeditions
Tom is always reaching out to the community to find ways to integrate real-life science in his teachings. Tom has brought ROV's, Salish Sea Expeditions Sound and Source programs, ORCA Bowl (WSG) as well as the Seattle Aquariums inter-tidal survey into his classroom as well as taking his students outdoors with these organizations. Last school year he took an Oceanography 101 course to get the credentials to bring the college credit course to Bainbridge High School. Tom has been teaching for over 20 years and still finds ways to inspire himself, his students and his community.
Formal Educator (College/University): Dr. James Gawel, University of Washington Tacoma
“Jim is an outstanding environmental educator. A number of Jim's students are working for local environmental firms, state government agencies, and pursuing advanced degrees in environmental fields. It is safe to say this is at least partially due to Jim's great mentorship.” - Dr. Bonnie J. Becker, University of Washington Tacoma
In addition to mentoring countless students conducting research on lake health both locally and on Mount Saint Helens (for which he won a "Best Student Mentor award from the whole UW system), Jim includes sustainability in most of what he teaches. He worked with students to get funding to start a Giving Garden on campus, which grows organic food for donation to a local food bank (using a compost program he also helped them start). Likewise, he worked with other students to fund, design, and build two rain gardens on campus. Jim served as the leader of the Environmental Science program at UWT for six years, serving as a mentor to young faculty as they develop skills to inspire and engage even more students.
Outstanding Informal Educator Award – recognizes an informal educator in WA state who has demonstrated a positive impact on education and advocacy for the environment.
Informal Educator: Leihla Sharlau, South Sound Estuary Association
Leihla facilitates meetings, workshops, and outreach events with numerous partners, stakeholders and the community. She has coordinated and developed much of the popular Beach Naturalist program in the South Sound. This hands-on program, is designed to help participants develop a greater understanding of the South Puget Sound estuary, including the flora and fauna. In addition, she also oversees the Discovery Speaker Series, which offers presentations from a multitude of partners on a variety of relevant topics relating to the South Sound.
“There’s definitely a greater public awareness of beach biology in the South Sound since Leihla joined South Sound Estuary Association. Leihla wrote and received a grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to implement a free bus program to underserved populations and those with disabilities where trained Beach Naturalists were on staff to interpret intertidal habitats for their benefit.” - Robert L. Vadas, Jr., South Sound Estuary Association
Nonprofit/Community Organization Award – recognizes a nonprofit or community organization (or program within the organization) that provides exemplary environmental and sustainability education programs and services.
Nonprofit/Community Organization: Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition, Seattle, WA
The Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition (DRCC) is leading meetings to involve the community in cleanup up the Duwamish River. They are pushing to have 8 meetings instead of the usual one. The meetings are in the community and in several languages. One is so innovative that it is being held in a volleyball sand gym with a model of the river built in the sand. DRCC has worked with Concord Elementary students to bring awareness of the river and its ecosystem and to troubleshoot a local air quality problem. Additionally, Paulina Lopez has worked with a group of older students to survey the area and determine the recreational needs. A map and plan was created that is being used by Seattle Parks for its planning
“DRCC has recently released a study that shows that residents of Seattle’s Duwamish River valley are exposed to more pollution, have greater vulnerability to pollution-caused illness and live shorter lives than residents in other areas of Seattle and King County. This study was grant funded and done in conjunction with the University of Washington. It has the potential to inspire further study at all levels of education and to save lives.” – Lee Dorigan, Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition
Business Excellence Award – recognizes a business (or program within a business) that provides and/or supports exemplary environmental and sustainability education programs.
Business Excellence: The Boeing Company
The Boeing Company is committed to being a partner in raising the quality of life in the communities in which it is based, linking out across the globe. The Boeing Company was an early supporter of the E3 Washington process to develop a networked system of people and organizations across the state working towards the full infusion of environmental and sustainability education in schools, colleges/universities and in informal education. Boeing has supported E3 Washington events and special projects to achieve all five E3 Washington goals, especially the Get Together, Connect Up and Build Support Goals.
“There have been untold changes as a result to the field of innovative education programs and ESE throughout the years by Boeing. Boeing executives, engineers, and other professionals they have referred us to have contributed hundreds, if not thousands of hours, to the work of E3 Washington to utilize systems thinking/dynamics and leadership and organizational processes to build capacity for ESE. Boeing has also supported many other organizations to deliver high quality ESE to students, teachers, families and communities with a focus on reaching diverse people in the Puget Sound region in particular.” – Abby Ruskey, E3 Washington
Government Agency Award – recognizes a government agency (or program within a government agency) that provides exemplary environmental and sustainability education programs.
Government Agency: Water Resources Education Center, Vancouver, WA
The Water Center’s mission is to teach people of all ages to care for and make wise decisions about water. Since the Water Center opened in 1996 it has endeavored to accomplish this mission and has expanded the scope to include the environment and sustainability. The Water Center is an environmental education center that is open free to the public Monday through Saturday. The Exhibit Hall includes aquaria with native fish and amphibians, and exhibits about water, recycling, renewable energy, PBTs (persistent bio accumulative toxins), wetlands and Puddles Place, a young people’s learning area. Over 3,000 students visit the Water Center for engagement in a wide variety of field trip options about water, plants, conservation, the environment, personal impacts and tours of the Marine Park Water Reclamation Facility and Water Center wetlands area (55 acres). Through programing and events, the Water Center has inspired students to adopt portions of local waterways, promote water conservation and become stewards.
“Although the Water Center’s mission is about water, it has grown and adapted to the changing needs in the community and education, since it opened. As the community becomes more aware of topics impacting the local environment, it has tried to address them either with an exhibit, new curriculum and/or an event.” – Bev Walker, City of Vancouver Water Resources Education Center
Diversity in Action Award – recognizes an individual, organization, or program that demonstrates cultural awareness and encourages a multicultural approach to environmental and sustainability education projects or programs.
· Diversity in Action: Laurel James, University of Washington
Laurel James serves as the tribal liaison for an National Science Foundation and US Department of Agriculture graduate student training program that partners with Northwest Tribes on integrated landscape and renewable energy planning, with economic, ecologic, technologic, and community development goals. She has had profound impact on how the University of Washington interacts with Tribes on technology research as well as the participation of Native Americans in graduate education at UW. Her impact is especially great on the relationship between the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (and their tribal College) and UW.
“Laurel has been a key person supporting the retention of indigenous students once they get to UW. She has no official "responsibility" to do this, it is just the right thing to do, so she does it. She is inspiring, engaging, and supporting individuals and groups in Washington State so they can make a sustainable difference in their communities.” - Daniel Schwartz, University of Washington
K-12 Student Environmental Leader Award – recognizes a student who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in environmental and sustainability education.
Student Leaders: (4 awarded) Cassandra Houghton, Tahoma High School
Cassandra has participated in Tahoma High School's green team for several years. She has also participated in sustainability and environmental education programs, including serving as a leadership team member for the new Sustainability Ambassadors program. Cassandra and a team of students earned an $80,000 State Farm Youth Advisory Board grant to build sustainability demonstration projects at her school district. This national grant was written by Cassandra and her team of students, and she is the student lead on creating a work plan and managing the project. Cassandra is coordinating this project with her team between the Tahoma school district and the City of Maple Valley. The positive inspiration of these signed, legacy demonstration sustainability projects (cisterns, pervious pavement, native re-vegetation, etc) will inspire students and help keep polluted runoff out of the Cedar River long after she graduates.
“I think what Cassandra does best is be realistic. She has such passion for sustainability issues but realizes that not all share her passion. Regardless, she continues to positively promote sustainable behaviors at both the school and district level. Cassandra values the importance of having all the district schools work together and is setting up the foundation for this to continue after she graduates in June. Cassandra also sees the importance of having partnerships between the school district and the community and has been working this year on cultivating such a partnership around the topics of waste free Wednesday and storm water.” - Clare Vila Nance, Tahoma High School
Student Leaders: (4 awarded) Ewan Shortess, Port Townsend High School
After learning about climate change issues in his science classroom, he helped to form the 'Students for Sustainability' (SFS) at his high school and was unanimously elected by his peers to serve as President. He leads lunchtime meetings each Wednesday where he facilitates an energetic and talented group of students trying to make sustainable changes in reducing the carbon footprint of the high school. There is no faculty sponsor. Ewan and about 15 other students run this group alone, with great success! Ewan also serves as the student representative on the Climate Action Committee, a city and county group charged with implementing Jefferson County’s Climate Action Plan.
“Ewan is wise beyond his years, but backs up his knowledge with superior leadership skills and a dedication to making a positive contribution to his school, his friends, his community and the planet as a whole. Ewan also demonstrates his willingness to step up, even into the adult world that he is just beginning to enter. He is the only student on the Climate Action Committee but contributes as much as any other member, many of whom are elected officials and community leaders.” – Laura Tucker, Jefferson County Climate Action Committee
Student Leaders: (4 awarded) Galen Chuang, Garfield High School
Galen is a senior at Garfield High School and co-president of the Earth Corps club at her school. In this role, Galen directly leads the clubs efforts to engage the school community in sustainable practices and increase environmental awareness. Over the 2012-2013 school year these efforts have largely centered on waste reduction and composting. In addition, Galen has worked with her peers to organize and facilitate volunteer projects at the Garfield High School native plant garden. Beyond Galen’s extensive involvement in the environmental efforts of her school, she has also been a strong leader with the larger YMCA Earth Service Corps. Galen has served as a student leader within the larger organization this year and played an important role as Youth Moderator at the Environmental Summit and Youth Host at the Urban Action: Think Local, Be Vocal Environmental Symposium.
“Galen is an exceptional individual who does not shy away from a challenge or an opportunity. She truly represents the combination of passion, hard work and dedication we hope to see in all environmental leaders.” - Geoff Eseltine, YMCA Earth Service Corps
Student Leaders: (4 awarded) Wyatt Coffin, Crosspoint
Wyatt helped start up the compost program at Crosspoint, fall of 2011. The program was new and there were a lot of challenges. He has continued to monitor the compost program this year. He has trained other students. The school now has many students wanting to be responsible for monitoring composting. Wyatt took the responsibility seriously. He was the only secondary student from Crosspoint to attend the 2012 STEM Summit in Mason County.
“Wyatt's courage and dedication is inspiring. He has continued to help with the program, even after facing many challenges.” – Carla Fontenot, Teacher
Come honor phenomenal educators, students, & organizations who are recipientsof the 2013:
E3 Washington
Green Apple Awards
Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)
Green Ribbon Schools Awards
USEPA
Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators
3 E's
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