2019 NJ School and District Sustainability Awards Announced

Today, Sustainable Jersey announced the recipients of the 2019 Sustainable Jersey for Schools awards. The announcement was made at a reception during the New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA) Workshop 2019 in Atlantic City. Award winners are selected from the schools that are certified in the designated award year.

The 2019 Sustainability Champion award recipients are:

SUSTAINABILITY CHAMPION (ELEMENTARY SCHOOL): George L. Catrambone Elementary School, Long Branch Public School District (Monmouth County)
SUSTAINABILITY CHAMPION (MIDDLE SCHOOL): Christa McAuliffe Middle School, Jackson Township Public Schools (Ocean County)
SUSTAINABILITY CHAMPION (HIGH SCHOOL): Brimm Medical Arts High School, Camden City Public Schools (Camden County)

The 2019 Sustainable Jersey for Schools special award winners are:

SUSTAINABILITY MAKES $ENSE AWARD: Upper Township School District (Cape May County)
GREEN TEAM COLLABORATION AWARD: Highland Park School District (Middlesex County)

“The Sustainable Jersey for Schools awards recognize the outstanding work being done at the local level,” said Randall Solomon, the executive director of Sustainable Jersey. “These schools and school districts deserve to be commended for their accomplishments as they help us rethink, refine and build consensus around the sustainable future we want.” To date, 876 of New Jersey’s schools have demonstrated their leadership and commitment to sustainability by registering with the Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification program.

ABOUT THE AWARDS

2019 Sustainability Champion Award: The Sustainability Champion award recognizes schools that were certified this year with the highest number of points in their category: elementary, middle or high school. Baseline bronze certification requires a minimum of 150 points.

George L. Catrambone Elementary School (Long Branch School District, Monmouth County) ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CATEGORY with 660 points. This is the second time that the school has achieved this honor; the school received the award in 2017.

“The George L. Catrambone Elementary School family has an unmatched passion for sustainable practices. What began as an economic endeavor has transformed into protecting our planet, preserving our environment and altering behaviors while influencing mindsets.” -- Michael Salvatore, Ph.D., Superintendent, Long Branch Public Schools

Christa McAuliffe Middle School, Jackson School District, Ocean County) MIDDLE SCHOOL CATEGORY with 285 points. This is the first time the school has earned the award.

"McAuliffe Middle School is so honored to have earned this award because it recognizes the power of working together for the common good. Our entire school community takes great pride in finding new and creative ways we can live responsibly and take care of our planet, and each other." -- Debra Phillips, Principal, Christa McAuliffe Middle School

Brimm Medical Arts High School (Camden City Public Schools, Camden County) HIGH SCHOOL CATEGORY with 415 points. This is the first time the school has earned the award.

“Brimm Medical Arts High School is honored to be the recipient of this year’s Sustainability Champion Award in the high school category because it recognizes so many of the amazing efforts of the staff, students and community in creating a sustainable community. At Brimm, programs like exposures, partnerships with hospitals, COVANTA, and the CCMUA, connections with the NJ Tree Foundation and Camden Children’s Garden, as well as increased participation in the leaders of the 21st century and having our first annual Green Fair have drawn the public’s attention and commitment to conservation and sustainability of our amazing City of Camden. Margaret Mead said it best “never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” -- Deborah Goodman, Learning Disabilities Teaching Consultant, Camden High School

Sustainability Makes $ense Award: Upper Township School District (Cape May County)

This award recognizes a district that has made exemplary progress in sustainability resulting in cost savings to the school district.

“We are super excited that our efforts have made a difference. Our Business Administrator, Director of Buildings of Grounds, custodial staff, teachers and our students have made conscious efforts to act in ways that place high priority on the conservation of resources. Every little action helps and the energy savings we continue to reap, go directly back into our budget and allow us to maintain and expand student programs and initiatives. Thank you to those who were instrumental in developing such a meaningful opportunity.” -- Vincent J. Palmieri, Superintendent, Upper Township School District

Green Team Collaboration Award: Highland Park School District (Middlesex County)

This award recognizes municipal and school green teams working together to advance sustainability in their schools and communities.

“The district institutionalized a culture of sustainability since it was last recognized by Sustainable Jersey three years ago. The natural next step was to work with borough partners to scale up our efforts by implementing exciting projects like the $30,000 grant-funded planting of trees all over our campuses.” -- Dr. Scott Taylor, Superintendent, Highland Park Schools