U.S. Department of Education Recognizes Forest Lake Area High School as a 2019 Green Ribbon School

Award honors schools, districts, and postsecondary institutions for their innovative efforts to reduce environmental impact and utility costs, improve health and wellness, and ensure effective sustainability education

ROSEVILLE – The U.S. Department of Education announced the 2019 Green Ribbon Schools today, honoring schools across the nation that are leading the way in reducing environmental impact, promoting health, and ensuring high-quality environmental education programming that prepares students with sustainability skills and concepts. Forest Lake Area High School is among the 35 schools, 14 districts, and four postsecondary institutions across the country to receive this honor.

“I continue to be impressed with our students and their dedication and creativity when it comes to finding possible answers to our most complicated problems, including sustainable solutions for a healthier environment,” said Commissioner Mary Cathryn Ricker. “I congratulate Forest Lake Area High School on this prestigious recognition. Thank you for your efforts in making Minnesota and our planet a better place for us all.”

The honorees were named from a pool of candidates nominated by 28 states. The selectees include 35 public schools, including three magnet schools and two charter schools, as well as 10 nonpublic schools. Thirty-six percent of the 2019 honorees serve a disadvantaged student body.  

The list of all selected schools, districts, colleges, and universities, as well as their nomination packages, can be found on the U.S. Department of Education website. A report with highlights of each of the honorees is also available.

Minnesota schools that are interested in the award submit applications to the Minnesota Department of Education. The department and the Minnesota Office of Higher Education evaluate the applications and select schools for nomination to the U.S. Department of Education for the national award. Awardees will be honored at a September ceremony in Washington, D.C., and receive a plaque and the use of the award logo to recognize their school.

For more information, visit the Minnesota Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools webpage or the U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools website.

Contact Wendy Hatch at wendy.hatch@state.mn.us, 651-582-8717 with any questions. 

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