Cardinal Valley Elementary is among the 2023 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools award honorees. The Kentucky Environmental Education Council (KEEC) had recognized Cardinal Valley’s efforts in January and forwarded their nomination packet to Washington, D.C., for consideration. Word came on April 20 that Cardinal Valley is among the 26 schools, 11 districts, and four postsecondary institutions saluted for their innovative efforts to reduce environmental impact and utility costs, improve health and wellness, and provide effective environmental and sustainability education, which incorporates STEM, civic skills, and green career pathways.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious national award. It reflects the commitment of our students, faculty, and staff to environmental sustainability practices,” said Principal Kevin Disney.
A special shout-out goes to Nature Studies teacher Adonya Boyle, who serves as the school's sustainability leader and sponsor of the Green Team and the Recycle Team. Among Cardinal Valley’s notable achievements:
- Schoolwide fruit and vegetable composting;
- Annual student and staff cleanup at Valley Park;
- Schoolwide reduction of single-use plastics;
- Green Garden Team's growing of sunflowers, peppers, onions, tomatoes, apples, milkweed, and more;
- GreenTeam classroom audits; and
- Campus tree plantings.
See Cardinal Valley's Nomination Package
What a way to celebrate Earth Day!
- See also KET video (starts at 14:30 mark)
Cardinal Valley and the other honorees were selected from a pool of candidates nominated by 18 states. Kentucky had one other winner: Mary G. Hogsett Primary School (Danville Independent).
Posted April 20, 2023
