The U.S. Department of Education released the names of the 2021 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools, District Sustainability Awardees, and Postsecondary Sustainability Awardees in late April.
Published: May 7, 2021
Award Honors Schools, Districts, and Postsecondary Institutions for Reducing Environmental Impact and Costs, Improving Health and Wellness, Offering Effective Sustainability Education
The U.S. Department of Education released the names of the 2021 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools, District Sustainability Awardees, and Postsecondary Sustainability Awardees in late April.
In Alabama, the Tuscaloosa City Schools system was named a U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools District Sustainability Awardee.
Across the country, 27 schools, three early learning centers, five districts, and five postsecondary institutions are being honored for their innovative efforts to reduce environmental impact and utility costs, improve health and wellness, and ensure effective sustainability education.
“The pandemic has driven home the vital importance of school buildings and grounds; health and wellness; and hands-on authentic learning,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “I congratulate the selected schools, districts, and postsecondary institutions, which are, through their sustainability practices, offering healthy, safe, efficient school environments and protecting our planet. Not surprisingly, many of our honorees support students in underserved communities, proving once again that green schools’ practices, encompassing best practices school operations, health, and environmental learning, are critical tools to advance equity.”
The honorees were named from a pool of candidates nominated by 20 states. The selectees include 24 public schools – among them, five charter schools and one magnet school – as well as three nonpublic schools. Over half of the 2021 honorees are in communities where over 40 percent of the student body are eligible for free and reduced lunch.
ASMS SENIOR BECOMES ONLY 2021 COOKE SCHOLAR IN ALABAMA, RECEIVES $40,000 ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP
Senior Anna Peeples from Baldwin County, a student at the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science (ASMS) in Mobile, has been named a 2021 Cooke College Scholar and is the only recipient from Alabama.
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation announced that 61 graduating high school seniors will receive the Cooke College Scholarship out of a pool of 5,800 applicants. The Cooke Foundation selected Scholars based on their academic ability, persistence, leadership and financial need.
As a Cooke College Scholar, Anna will receive up to $40,000 annually to cover costs associated with undergraduate education along with ongoing educational advising from Foundation staff and access to a network of active Scholars and Alumni. She will also receive opportunities for internships, study abroad, and access to graduate school funding. In the fall, Anna plans to attend Swarthmore College in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania where she will study public health policy.
“This scholarship will help me pursue higher education without the fear of the financial burden that comes with college. I am looking forward to the emotional and academic support the foundation offers their scholars to help them excel,” says Peeples.
During her time at ASMS, Anna co-founded a youth advocate risk prevention and education group for high school students under AIDS Alabama South (named TARP), conducted research and authored an article on the current sex education laws in Alabama, served as a National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Ambassador, completed an internship as a Teen Advocate for Sexual Health, and served as president of the Allies Club at ASMS.
“Anna has been a committed advocate and scholar throughout her time at ASMS. She has consistently embraced opportunities to learn, educate, raise awareness, and equip others. We are proud to see that the Cooke Foundation has recognized Anna’s excellence and dedication by investing in her very bright future,” says Dr. John Hoyle, President of ASMS.
The Alabama School of Mathematics and Science is the state’s only fully public and residential high school for sophomores, juniors, and seniors pursuing advanced studies in math, science, computer science, and the humanities. ASMS is a research-focused learning community committed to innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and diversity with a mission to empower motivated Alabama students to improve their community, state and nation. Tuition, room and board are free. Learn more at asms.net.