Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – Gulf Shores was recently named one of only 11 school districts nationwide to win the prestigious green ribbon award for sustainability from the U.S. Department of Education.

During the April 24 council meeting school board President Kevin Corcoran detailed the features of the school system that led to the recognition for Gulf Shores. At the same meeting, school board member Dale Jernigan was also reappointed to a five-year term.

“From our very inception our board set up core values, one of which is to provide engaging learning environments, rigorous academics and to incorporate unique resources of our community to empower all students to achieve success,” Corcoran told the council. “The district’s core value will shape the future of our environment, our commitment to innovation and our local community for generations to come.”

According to a presentation by Corcoran, the award was based on three pillars:

• Reducing environmental impact and costs

• Improving the health and wellness of students and staff

• Providing effective environmental and sustainability education, incorporating STEM, civic skills and green career pathways.

“We could not be more excited,” Corcoran gushed.

Corcoran cited a new more efficient heating and air conditioning system that incorporates some solar features, the new STEAM lab at the elementary school as two of the reasons why the district received the green ribbon status.

Others include the farm-to-table garden program at the high school which provides food for school cafeterias, cleaner burning school buses to reduce carbon emissions, science by the shore outside science classes.

“All students have access to bicycles throughout the day to support outdoor learning and physical activity,” Corcoran said. “We have comprehensive recycling efforts, composting and water conservation were named as well.”

He also cited a three-year partnership with the Center for Ecotourism including a school visit from Jean Michel Cousteau as a leading factor in the green ribbon honor.

“Our active health and wellness committee to support physical and mental health of students and staff,” Corcoran said. “We couldn’t be more excited that this core value has been recognized.”

The city system will also be recognized by the Alabama State Department of Education during a meeting May 11 and State Superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey will be traveling to town to personally present the award.

“Finally, the U.S. Department of Education will recognize Gulf Shores City Schools in a four-day event from Aug. 7-10 in Washington D.C.,” Corcoran said. “A lot of work when into the application. Too many people to mention but just had a herculean effort but it’s all because of the way that we respect our environment and the way that this council and administration has pushed us to be as responsible as we can environmentally.”

The other districts honored were in Maryland, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Washington and California. Other individual schools received green ribbons but these 11 were only ones honored systemwide.