Susan Miller Dorsey High School Recognized as National Green Ribbon School

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MAY 13, 2015 Susan Miller Dorsey High School Recognized as National Green Ribbon School Washington, D.C., May 13, 2015—Susan Miller Dorsey Senior High School was selected by the US Department of Education as a National Green Ribbon School on Earth Day (April 22). Dorsey, located in South Los Angeles, was one of only 17 high schools in the U.S. chosen for this distinct honor. Earth Day Network partnered with the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) to help Dorsey receive this recognition, creating the foundation for a new, climate literate generation. Green Ribbon School awards recognize public and private schools that reduce environmental impacts and costs, improve the health of students and staff, and provide interdisciplinary environmental education leading to environmental literacy. “[These schools] demonstrate how sustainability concepts allow students to expand their traditional learning into the real world and to create change for the betterment of communities,” said Arne Duncan, Secretary of Education, while presenting awards. “This authentic learning engages students in all subjects, and bolsters their critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving capacities.” Dorsey students reside in a densely urban, multi-cultural area of the city. Despite the urban environment, the school and students are environmental leaders. The school takes an integrative, multidisciplinary approach to environmental education by leveraging local resources and incorporating experiential learning in STEAM. Dorsey’s focus on community engagement and collaboration make it a shining example of effective environmental education. “On behalf of our students, staff and parents, Dorsey High is honored to be recognized for this prestigious award,” Dorsey High Principal Dr. Reginald Sample said.  “This award was a collaborative effort between students, teachers across disciplines, the school community and community-based partner organizations.  I also want to thank the efforts of Mr. Robert Jeffers and the students of the Global Warriors Eco-club, without them, we would never have won this amazing award.  This took teamwork, leadership and perseverance; a winning combination for any challenge.” “Dorsey High School exemplifies how integrating environmental education in all subjects equips students with the necessary tools to thrive in the 21^st century,” said Kathleen Rogers, President of Earth Day Network. EDN applauds Dorsey High School for its continued efforts towards environmental education and school sustainability. On Wednesday, June 3, there will be a ceremony and reception for the federally recognized Green Ribbon Schools. ABOUT EARTH DAY NETWORK: The first Earth Day on April 22, 1970, activated 20 million Americans from all walks of life and is widely credited with launching the modern environmental movement. Growing out of the first Earth Day, Earth Day Network (EDN), the world’s largest recruiter to the environmental movement, works with tens of thousands of partners in 192 countries to build environmental democracy and to broaden, diversify and mobilize the environmental movement. More than 1 billion people now participate in Earth Day activities each year, making it the largest civic observance in the world. For more information, visit archiveedn.wpengine.com

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