State Schools Chief Tom Torlakson Congratulates First U.S. Department
of Education National Green Ribbon Awards Winners
SACRAMENTO—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson congratulated four California schools that were among the 78 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools 
recognized today at a national ceremony in Washington, D.C.
recognized today at a national ceremony in Washington, D.C."Science, environmental, and outdoor education are all keys to helping our students become knowledgeable citizens and responsible stewards of California’s environment," Torlakson said. "These winners are models not only for California, but for the entire nation. I commend them for their commitment to the earth and to learning."
Twenty-nine states, the District of Columbia, and the Bureau of Indian Education nominated nearly 100 schools, of which 66 were public, including eight charters, and 12 were private. California nominated four schools and all were declared winners:
- Environmental Charter High School , Lawndale Elementary School District.
- Longfellow Elementary School , Long Beach Unified School District.
- Grand View Elementary School , Manhattan Beach Unified School District.
- The Athenian School , a private school in Danville.
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan joined Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson, White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Nancy Sutley, and U.S Surgeon General Dr.Regina Benjamin in congratulating the honorees for their exemplary enviro nmental programs and practices.
Honorees were awarded Forest Stewardship Council and Green Guard certif, ied plaques and biodegradable banners made of recycled bottles. This winter, all schools in participating states will have another opportunity to apply to their state education agencies to compete for state nominations for next year’s awards
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Tom Torlakson — State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Communications Division, Room 5206, 916-319-0818, Fax 916-319-0100
Communications Division, Room 5206, 916-319-0818, Fax 916-319-0100
