U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon SchoolsThe U.S. Department of Education announced two Kentucky schools, Cardinal Valley Elementary (Fayette County) and Mary G. Hogsett Primary School (Danville Independent), have earned the 2023 Green Ribbon Schools award.

The award goes to schools that focus on three pillars:

  • Reducing environmental impact and cost;
  • Improving the health and wellness of students and staff; and
  • Providing effective environmental and sustainability education, which incorporates STEM, civic skills and green career pathways.

Cardinal Valley Elementary and Mary G. Hogsett Primary School are among 26 schools, 11 districts and four postsecondary institutions to receive the designation this year.

Education Commissioner Jason E. Glass congratulated the two Kentucky schools for earning the honor.

“The work Cardinal Valley Elementary and Mary G. Hogsett Primary School have done to become Green Ribbon Schools is truly remarkable,” said Glass. “With the evolving challenges Kentucky schools face, moving to more sustainable practices and improving the overall health and wellness of the people within our buildings will need to be a priority.”

The Kentucky Environmental Education Council is the nominating board for Kentucky Green Ribbon Schools.