Hoover High School Named U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School

 

(Hoover, Alabama) - Hoover High School (HHS) has been awarded the prestigious U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School designation in recognition of its commitment to environmental sustainability and education. HHS is among 41 schools nationwide honored for its innovative efforts to reduce environmental impact, improve health and wellness, and offer effective sustainability education. The honorees were selected from a competitive pool of candidates nominated by 24 states. 

During a Green Ribbon School celebration on Wednesday, May 1, at HHS, Alabama State Department of Education officials and environmental education organizations commended school leaders and students for being solution-seekers and encouraging an appreciation of Alabama’s natural heritage.

Principal Jennifer Hogan expressed her pride in the school's achievement, stating, "We are incredibly honored to receive the U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School award. This recognition reflects the dedication and hard work of our students, staff, and community in promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship. We remain committed to providing our students with the knowledge and skills to become responsible global citizens.”

One of the standout features of HHS’s sustainability efforts is its integration of environmental education across various subjects. Students in environmental and regular biology classes utilize the school's proximity to the Cahaba River for investigation and study. At the same time, subjects like history and geography cover the protection of natural resources. The school’s STEM and BioBucs (an environmental science research team) teams also engage in ongoing projects such as maintaining and expanding the outdoor classroom, community cleanups, tree data collection, and raising awareness of environmental issues. 

Advanced Placement Environmental Science Teacher and STEM Team Coach Janet Ort said,  “Several students and I started thinking about this certification process three years ago. Senior Abigail Guillory and I have researched, questioned, documented, revised, and prepared the submission for the last two years. She was diligent and committed, and we had the support of many people in the school system to document our data. The award results from many students developing and shepherding new visions of sustainability and community activities. It is also the result of amazing administration support.”

Ort says students play an integral role in the success of environmental education at HHS. They are engaged, passionate, and extremely excited to apply sustainable concepts.

Ort said, “Without them, the big ideas would not work. Their work inspires other students to continue with project ideas. Many of the BioBucs' research and service projects represent their passions and interests. Without their work, we would not have so many exciting opportunities, nor the local, state, and national recognition we have garnered.”

To meet every student's STEM, sustainability, and holistic health needs, HHS utilizes various resources and initiatives, including solar energy learning stations, environmental sensors, sensory gardens, and mental health trails. Auto-dimming LED lights, student-led audits, and a building automation system upgrade have also been implemented to enhance energy efficiency and reduce consumption on campus. 

As part of the International Baccalaureate program, HHS students collected 5,000 plastic bottles to construct a greenhouse for the outdoor classroom, which also features rain barrels, retention ponds, and 1.2 miles of the Cahaba River. These green spaces serve as venues for science, math, art, language arts, and athletic activities, fostering project-based learning and recreation. In addition to its environmental initiatives, the school is committed to student well-being through programs like New Beginnings, designed to support students with social, emotional, or mental constraints. 

Hoover High’s achievement as a U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School underscores its leadership in environmental education and sustainability practices, setting an example for schools nationwide. The U.S. Department of Education will present an award to school leaders in Washington, D.C., and the State Board of Education will honor the school during its May Board meeting.