Andover Students Receive Green Team Award

Andover High School was one of 66 Massachusetts Schools to receive Green Team awards, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) announced Friday.

The 66 schools received special recognition for outstanding environmental actions as members of the "Green Team," a statewide environmental education program promoted by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) and MassDEP. Participating classes were entered into a drawing for prizes, and 66 classes won prizes.

“I want to congratulate all the Green Team students, and thank the teachers for helping to generate that spark of interest and responsibility in protecting our natural resources,” said Gov. Charlie Baker in a statement. “Learning about environmental issues and promoting sustainable practices contributes to the greater good of everyone in the Commonwealth.”

Melanie Cutler’s 9-12 students were commemorated for their information wheels.

“Students who took the initiative to participate and volunteered to raise environmental awareness through Green Team activities deserve our thanks and congratulations,” said EEA Secretary Matthew Beaton in a statement. “Through the Green Team Program, we hope to instill in students knowledge of environmental issues and a desire to protect our natural world.”

Students took part in a range of activities; including expanding school recycling programs, starting compost piles and using the compost to garden, making their school driveways "Idle-Free Zones," Increasing energy efficiency in their schools and communities, and reducing their carbon footprint.

To learn more or to participate in The Green Team program next school year, teachers may sign up on-line at:www.thegreenteam.org