Tuesday, April 29, 2025
Following the elimination of the U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools program, Wisconsin has launched its own initiative through Green & Healthy Schools Wisconsin to spotlight schools leading the way in environmental stewardship. State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly, as part of 2025 Environmental Education Week in Wisconsin, announced the first recipients of the new Stewardship and Sustainability Award.
Mahone Middle School in Kenosha and West De Pere High School in De Pere were honored for outstanding efforts to reduce environmental impact and costs, support student and staff wellness, and advance environmental literacy throughout their school communities.
“After more than a decade of celebrating school leadership in sustainability, it’s disappointing that the current administration shut down the federal Green Ribbon Schools program,” Dr. Underly said. “Wisconsin isn’t standing still. We’re proud to launch our own recognition to honor schools doing the real work. Mahone Middle School and West De Pere High School are shining examples of what is possible when students, educators, and communities come together to care for our planet. I applaud both schools for their leadership and the example they have set for the rest of the state.”
At Mahone Middle School, the Eco Club is cultivating a culture of sustainability through creative and impactful initiatives. From producing “In a Green Minute” educational videos to leading a two-year campaign to fund and build an outdoor classroom that supports mental health and well-being, students are at the forefront of change. The school also encourages public transportation, water conservation, and created rain gardens, while modeling environmental responsibility through upcycling projects. Instructional coaches at the school work closely with staff to integrate environmental education into the curriculum, ensuring every student has the opportunity to connect with, explore, and contribute to sustainability efforts.
West De Pere High School is leading by example in its commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability. The school reduces greenhouse gas emissions through facility improvements, revamped waste and transportation practices, and a holistic approach to indoor air quality. Students at the school benefit from sourcing local produce and taking part in outdoor physical education, helping to deepen their connection with the Earth. Students also take part in hands-on learning experiences, including watershed data collection and recycling drives, giving them the knowledge and skills needed to address environmental challenges in their own communities.
The two schools will be recognized at the 2025 Celebration of Excellence in Environmental Education at 5 p.m. on May 3 at Forest Edge Elementary School in Fitchburg. This statewide event is hosted in collaboration with the Wisconsin Association for Environmental Education, KEEP-Wisconsin K12 Energy Education Program, and Green & Healthy Schools Wisconsin.
The Stewardship and Sustainability Award is part of Green & Healthy Schools Wisconsin, a program managed by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. This is the first year of this award, which was created to fill a gap left from the elimination of the USDE’s Green Ribbon Schools program.
