Two Maryland Schools Receive National “Green Ribbons”

North Carroll High School in Carroll County and Travilah Elementary School in Montgomery County were named recipients of the U.S. Department of Education’s 2014 Green Ribbon Schools (GRS) Awards.  They were two of the 48 schools honored in this year’s competition.

The Maryland State Department of Education’s press release notes the efforts and success of the awarded schools.

Maryland State Superintendent of Schools Lillian Lowery said North Carroll High and Travilah Elementary deserve to display the Green Ribbons.  “These award-winning schools represent the tireless efforts going on throughout Maryland, part of our State’s long-term commitment to environmental education and to practices that improve our world for future generations,” said Dr. Lowery.

This is the GRS program’s third year of existence.  State education agencies, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Education, participated in the third year of the GRS award program. Four Maryland schools were honored with the award during the inaugural year of 2012, and two more schools along with the Montgomery County Public School System were honored last year.

Federal officials recognized schools that save energy, reduce costs, feature environmentally sustainable learning spaces, protect health, foster wellness, and offer environmental education to boost academic achievement and community engagement. The recognition award is part of a larger U.S. Department of Education effort to identify and disseminate knowledge about practices proven to result in improved student engagement, academic achievement, graduation rates, and workforce preparedness, as well as a government-wide aim to increase energy independence and economic security.

The U.S. Department of Education is already looking forward to the fourth year of the GRS award, and will be publishing updated competition criteria this summer, once again working closely with participating states, collaborating organizations, and partner agencies.

To find out more about the Green Ribbon Schools Awards, visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website.