3^rd Smith Memorial Award: Lowell Area Schools

 GRAND RAPIDS – Just in time for the 40^th anniversary of Earth Day, a shower of certificates were given to 76 local school buildings and three districts in the third annual Green School Awards Program hosted by Kent County and Kent ISD.  The program at Northview High School recognized the extensive work of students and educators across the ISD in environmental action.

 There are three levels of recognition:  the Green School Certificate based on school environmental activities, a Kent County Board of Commissioners Chairman’s Award for district-level energy projects (awarded this year to Cedar Springs Public Schools and Thornapple Kellogg Schools), along with a memorial award from Kent ISD honoring the work of David Smith, former facilities director for Grand Rapids Public Schools (given this year to Lowell Area Schools).

             “We are excited to partner with Kent County in presenting these awards to our schools,” said Kent ISD Superintendent Kevin A. Konarska.  “The students and educators earning them are great examples of the energy and enthusiasm schools are bringing to critical environmental issues.  They are making a real difference – including saving millions of dollars for taxpayers in energy and recycling. 

 While the opportunity to create Green School programs arose out of legislation, this was the first one in the state developed in an ISD-County partnership.  “Our program helps recognize and encourage the environmental efforts of our schools,” Konarska added.