Press Release: Two Maryland Schools, One System Receive National Green Ribbon Honors

Federal Program In Its Fifth Year

For Immediate Release                                          Contact: Bill Reinhard, 410-767-0486

Baltimore, MD (April 22, 2016)

The U.S. Department of Education today announced that two Maryland schools and one local school system have received 2016 Green Ribbon Schools (GRS) Awards.

Sligo Middle School (Montgomery County Public Schools) and Broadneck High School (Anne Arundel County Public Schools) each received the prestigious honor, and the Anne Arundel County Public School System received the district award.

U.S. Secretary of Education John King made today’s announcement. Maryland’s 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 honorees 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 important 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.

The federal Green Ribbon program recognizes 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.

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