September 20, 2022 - Harrisburg, PA
The Pennsylvania departments of Education, Environmental Protection, and Conservation and Natural Resources honored 10 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools (ED-GRS) across Pennsylvania in recognition of their environmental sustainability efforts. "Pennsylvania's Green Ribbon Schools demonstrate a commitment to promoting environmental awareness in the classroom and teach students and communities how we are all responsible for protecting our environment," said Acting Secretary of Education Eric Hagarty. "This mission is interconnected, and we applaud these schools for helping students actively engage in environmental sustainability practices and for raising awareness about the world around them." Spring-Ford Area School District and Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania were recognized as 2022 ED-GRS schools, and officials also honored awardees from 2019, 2020, and 2021 during the first in-person ceremony since the pandemic. The schools also received recognition through the commonwealth's Pathways to Green Schools program.List of Speakers:Michelle Naccarati-Chapkis, Executive Director, Women for a Healthy EnvironmentDanielle Friel Otten, Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 155Joseph Ciresi, Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 146Mike Walsh, DCNR Deputy Secretary for AdministrationDonnan StoicovyRamez Ziadeh, Acting Secretary, Department of Environmental ProtectionTammie Peffer, PA Dept of ED. Environment and Ecology Content advisorNathan Rodgers, Commonweath Charter Academy 11th grade StudentLogan Weldy, Commonweath Charter Academy Recent graduateBrandon Stanley, Commonweath Charter Academy 8th Grade StudentEric Hagerty, PDE Acting Secretary