Wellesley Elementary Program Recognized for Environmental Excellence

WELLESLEY, MA – A Wellesley elementary school program was honored at the EEA's 23rd Annual Secretary's Awards for Excellence in Energy and Environmental Education. Thirty-three energy and environmental education programs – including Bates Elementary School's "Cafeteria and Food Recovery Project" – were recognized by EEA Secretary Matthew Beaton.

"The outstanding educational programs honored today immerse students in important issues like energy, recycling and wildlife conservation," Beaton said. "It is more important than ever that we teach the next generation the importance of preserving and protecting our natural resources."

Winners competed for $5,000 in awards, funded by the Massachusetts Environmental Trust, to fund further environmental education initiatives. Schools and organizations that voluntarily incorporate environmental education into the curricula are given priority.

The project applications were scored by the secretary's Advisory Group on Energy and Environmental Education, a group of environmental educators from state agencies, non-profits, industry and academia.

"Hands-on energy and environmental educational programs improve students’ problem-solving skills and create lifelong passions for science and the environment," Gov. Charlie Baker said in a statement. "Our administration is proud to recognize the students, teachers and nonprofits raising awareness and coming up with creative solutions to our pressing energy and environmental issues."

>>> Photo of Earth from NASA via WikiMedia Commons