Press Release: Two Maryland Schools, One System Nominated For National Green Ribbon Honor

Federal Program In Its Fifth Year

For Immediate Release                                        Contact: Bill Reinhard, 410.767.0486

Baltimore, MD (March 9, 2016)

The Maryland State Department of Education today nominated two schools and one local school system for the U.S. Department of Education’s 2016 Green Ribbon Schools (GRS) Award.

The two schools nominated are Sligo Middle School (Montgomery County Public Schools) and Broadneck High School (Anne Arundel County Public Schools).  The Anne Arundel County Public School System was nominated for the district award.  All applications for the award were evaluated by a committee comprised of staff from State and national government agencies, State and regional environmental organizations, and private businesses.

“Sligo Middle, Broadneck High, and the Anne Arundel Public Schools have taken a long-term, broad-based approach to environmental learning and stewardship,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “I offer my sincere congratulations and encourage them to continue their tireless work to make Maryland and their local communities better places to live.”

Interim State Superintendent of Schools Jack R. Smith said that the State’s schools have a history of involvement in environment-related activities.

“Maryland schools have been at the leading edge in their commitment to environmental education and to practices that will sustain our world for future generations,” Dr. Smith said.  “These nominees represent the great work taking place throughout our State.”

Education agencies in 27 states and territories, in collaboration with the U.S Department of Education, are participating in the fifth year of the GRS award program.  Maryland schools have received national honors during each year of the program.

Federal officials will recognize 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.

Acting U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King, Jr. is scheduled to announce the recipients of the GRS awards on Earth Day, April 22.

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