King County looking for Earth Heroes nominations in local schools

King County is seeking nominations for its Earth Heroes at Schools award. This annual award honors teachers, students, staff, school volunteers, specific programs or entire schools that have contributed to both the protection of the local environment and the education of students on environmental issues.

"Our schools are the source of many fine examples of leadership and inspiration when it comes to protecting our environment," said King County Executive Ron Sims.

"Recycling, restoring habitat, composting lunchroom waste, and growing pesticide-free gardens are among the many types of projects conducted by students, teachers and others in our schools,” Sims said. “We want to recognize these leaders and their accomplishments."

Nominations for 2009 Earth Heroes at School are due Feb. 27. Winners will be honored at King County's eighth-annual Earth Heroes at Schools recognition event in April.

Earth Heroes at School honorees last year included:

• Stuart Steere, a teacher at Lake Youngs Elementary School in Kent, who teaches his students environmental stewardship through projects such as tree planting, repair of storm drainage areas, and leads field trips to learn about local water issues.
• Cody Finke, a student at Seattle Academy in Seattle, who tripled the membership of the school’s Environment Club, improved the recycling program, and sought funding for solar panels for the school.
• Judi Benjamin, custodial supervisor at Kings Schools in Shoreline, who exercised leadership to achieve effective recycling, including a food scrap composting program and an electronics waste recycling project.
• Snoqualmie Elementary School, for creating a culture of environmental stewardship where conservation is a daily practice and a natural part of the school curriculum, inspiring other schools in the district to do the same.

In acknowledging the accomplishments of environmental leaders in the school community, the Earth Heroes at School Program hopes to bring attention to their innovation, creativity and dedication and inspire others to adopt similar actions to protect the environment.

Earth Heroes can be nominated by colleagues, classmates or the general public.  Self-nominations are also encouraged.  Nomination forms and the list of 2008 winners can be found at http://your.kingcounty.gov/solidwaste/education/earth-heroes.asp, or by calling Donna Miscolta at 206-296-4477.

Related information

Earth Heroes at School

King County Solid Waste Division