Students at Lacombe Composite High School are getting provincial recognition for their commitment to bettering the environment.
The school’s “EcoVision” program was honoured in the education category Tuesday by the Alberta Emerald Foundation at their 30th annual awards night, which was held virtually.
The Emerald Awards showcase those who raise the bar in addressing local, regional, and global environmental and climate issues.
“We are very grateful for this award, as it acknowledges all the outstanding environmental achievements my fellow students and volunteers have accomplished,” said Sneha Rose Jigo, a student involved in the EcoVision project.
“It encourages our partners to continue to invest time, wisdom and money into youth programs like ours and it inspires other students, schools and groups to start initiatives of their own.”
Students at the school have developed nearly a dozen projects that have helped improve the environment.
Last year they started Roofs 4 Kids, a project that turned sea container into goat barn with a rooftop garden, 3.8kW solar system, goat technician, and horticulture program.
They also have Beekeeping Technician Green Certificate (GC) program with eight hives and an urban beekeeping program and are developing an EPICC (Educational Pollinator Indigenous Carbon-Capture) Garden.
In addition, they also designed a four-season tropical, geo-desert greenhouse, an edible forest with 175 fruit trees and 50 raised garden beds.
“This year’s shortlist and recipients are prime examples of the inspiring environmental leaders and innovative work taking place in our province,” said Gregory Caswell, executive director of the Alberta Emerald Foundation in a news release.
“We’re honoured to showcase their accomplishments through the Emerald Awards and our year-round programming,”
The students earned a $2,000 grant for their efforts and a profile of their work by AEF.