District 99 Earns Recognition As Green Ribbon School

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — Community High School District 99 was recently selected as one of five school districts in the United States to be named a "Green Ribbon School" by the U.S. Department of Education. The distinction honors a district's sustainability and wellness initiatives.

“To receive recognition at a national level is a testament to the quality of our people and programs,” District 99 Superintendent Dr. Hank Thiele said in a news release.

Thiele added, “What’s unique about this award is that in addition to considering what we’ve practiced for years, energy conservation and education, we’re being recognized for our activities that promote social sustainability, which relates to how we work to improve the health and wellness of our students and staff.”

Some eco-friendly and wellness-centered initiatives at District 99 include outdoor learning opportunities, food drives, vaccine clinics, lessons on equity and inclusion and efforts to improve air quality.

In a news release, District 99 named the following educators as being "integral" to the Green Ribbon School distinction:

• Kevin Ahrens
• Keith Dvorkin
• Jeff Grant
• Mike Heinz
• Megan Marrs
• Mike McGinnis
• Steve Ruffolo
• John Sipple
• Kate Troyer
• Jackie Weishaar

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said in a statement, “As we recover from a pandemic that highlighted the need to modernize school infrastructure, improve ventilation, and create versatile indoor and outdoor learning spaces, we have an opportunity to invest in sustainable practices that enhance student learning, health, and well-being.”

District 99 representatives will head to Washington D.C. in summer 2022 for a ceremony recognizing their Green Ribbon School award.