Marist School Shines in Nationwide Contest Calling on K-12 Schools to Implement Sustainability Initiatives
May 23, 2012 – The Green in Action Contest, part of GEF’s free National Green Week program, asks schools and youth groups to share their environmental initiative, green team activity, or service project with the GEF community and beyond to foster enthusiasm and support for sustainability in K-12 schools nationwide. Applications were submitted from across the country and included sustainability lessons, photos, video projects, and essays. From Atlanta, Georgia, the Marist School’s Environmental Science Class stood out to GEF and American Standard as an exemplary Green in Action project.Through a well written narration and engaging video, the Marist School Environmental Science class showcased their tremendous efforts to protect and improve the waterway that runs through the school’s property. The three main priorities for the group are dealing with invasive species, stormwater runoff, and riparian restoration.
Jeannette Long, Vice President of Brand Marketing at American Standard, commented on the efforts underway at Marist School: “By selecting the Marist School as a Green in Action award recipient we hope the projects this group of inspirational students has taken on to protect their local waterways will motivate and challenge schools across the nation to do the same. Water is one of our most precious resources and it’s truly encouraging to see this generation of students becoming leaders in water conservation and protection.”
As part of their research and field work, the Environmental Science students learned that storm water runoff was bringing pollution to the creek and that non-native plant species were overtaking the banks of the creek. To begin correcting these issues they’ve installed a rain garden and have identified native plants that will help stabilize the banks and absorb runoff. Victoria Waters, CEO of GEF, was moved by their initiative and determination: “We are so impressed with how these students are applying the concepts they’re learning in the classroom to real-world situations. Their work today will have a great impact on their community and on their futures as sustainability minded global citizens.”
GEF and American Standard have a long-standing partnership to promote water conservation measures, and the importance of water to the sustainability of our planet, through educational resources and programs. American Standard is a sponsor of a Green in Action Award for a project that impacts our water systems.
To read more about the Marist School, watch their award winning video, or view other Green in Action projects, visit http://www.greeneducationfoundation.org/nationalgreenweeksub/green-in-action-contest/2012-winners/1203-marist-school-environment-science-class.
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About Green Education Foundation (GEF)
Green Education Foundation (GEF) is a non-profit organization committed to creating a sustainable future through education. Sustainability education provides educators with the real-world applied learning models that connect science, technology, and math education with the broader human concerns of environmental, economic, and social systems. GEF provides curriculum and resources to K-12 students and teachers worldwide with the goal of challenging them to think holistically and critically about global environmental concerns and solutions.Become a member for free to gain full access to GEF’s comprehensive library of standards-based lessons and activities at www.greeneducationfoundation.org. Join the sustainability education conversation by following GEF on Twitter @greenedufdn and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/greenedufoundation.