David Shea (pictured), who will be a senior this year at Mountain View High School, won the Voice of Democracy Essay Contest sponsored by the Elk Mountain VFW at the local level and placed sixth at the state level winning $1000.00 in prizes. He also placed first in the regional Pa. Junior Academy of Science competition and won a Medical Fellowship from the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine for the summer.

Harrisburg, PA - Today at the State Capitol Building, environmental and educational advocates gathered to honor the School District of Philadelphia and Coebourn Elementary School – Pennsylvania’s 2017 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools (ED-GRS).

“Pennsylvania’s Green Ribbon Schools serve as a model for teaching the value of environmental stewardship through the infusion of real-world experiences into the classroom,” said Secretary Rivera. “I applaud the School District of Philadelphia and Coebourn Elementary School for their efforts to promote conservation and awareness, and thank them for their contributions to their communities.”

Secretary Patrick McDonnell from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP); Secretary Cindy Dunn from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR); Nick Semon, President of PA Green & Healthy Schools Partnership (PAGHSP); John Armstead, EPA Region 3 Deputy Regional Administrator; and lawmakers and advocates were present at the event to offer their congratulations to the schools.

“The efforts of Coebourn Elementary and the School district of Philadelphia prove that reducing our environmental impacts, educating the next generation to be good stewards of our natural resources, and saving money are all inter-connected,” said Secretary McDonnell. “Our future depends on understanding, and protecting, our environment, and these schools exemplify a stellar commitment.”

The School District of Philadelphia was recognized for its five-year sustainability plan, during which the district has pledged to make all schools “green schools” by 2020. The district has incorporated sustainability-infused curriculum, professional development opportunities for teachers and operations staff, and monthly Education for Sustainability meetings with a committee of curriculum specialists, environmental staff, and external partners.

Coebourn Elementary School, in the Penn Delco School District, demonstrated a commitment to sustainability education through classroom lessons, school-wide announcements, and professional development. Coebourn’s Green Committee established monthly green activities for the entire school community, and students get hands-on experience through participation in service projects and groups like the Compost Club.

“In addition to protecting the environment, and the health of students and teachers, green schools provide great opportunities for teaching young people, who are our next generation of conservationists,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn.

Since 2011, the ED-GRS program has nominated schools, districts, and institutions of higher education across the country for their dedication to reducing environmental impact and cost, improving health and wellness of schools, and providing environmental education to students. Nationally, 45 schools, nine districts, and nine postsecondary institutions were named 2017 Green Ribbon Schools.

For more information on U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools, visit the U.S. Dept. of Education’s website http://www2.ed.gov/programs/green-ribbon-schools/index.html.