BC News

Community puts BCMS over the top in 'greenest schools' contest

Release Date: June 3, 2009

Bethlehem Central Middle School has been named the winner of a "greenest school" contests thanks to community members who voted on its behalf.

The Middle School entered its organic kitchen garden initiative in the contest, which was sponsored by the Westchester County-based Regional News Network (RNN). The win will net BCMS $5,000 to further the garden project and other environmental efforts.

BCMS was one of four finalists selected from nominations received by RNN. In May, the network featured a video segment on each of the finalists, and then asked viewers to vote on the "greenest school."

BCMS recieved 66 percent of the tens of thousands of votes cast.

For more information and to view the video segments, visit http://www.rnntv.com/ion_with_poll.php.

The Middle School's kitchen gardens will yield fresh organic produce for use in school lunches when students return next fall. The school garden also promotes healthy eating habits, teaches students basic gardening skills, and raises awareness about the environmental benefits of sustainably and locally grown food. 

“It's pretty clear that there is a new movement afoot,” Mr. Warford said in an interview with RNN for the BCMS segment. “BCMS, and the entire district, are looking to show students what environmental stewardship looks like. To model the types of sustainable systems that the 21st century will need to embrace. Empowering students to make good choices is what school is all about."

 

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