Norris Middle one of 10 honored at UT
Ten schools from across the state of Tennessee were recognized as having the top school environmental programs at the University of Tennessee (UT) football game on Saturday.
The schools were the winners of the 2017 Good Sports Always Recycle™ (GSAR) school challenge, which rewards schools for their programs designed to actively manage environmental impact and/or educate students and communities about environmental stewardship.
This is the 24th year for the competition, and the 2017 winning schools included: Saint Dominic Catholic School and John Adams Elementary School, Kingsport; South Lawrence School, Loretto; The Farm School, Summertown; Norris Middle School, Norris; Sewanee Elementary School, Sewanee; Gallatin Senior High School, Gallatin; and Haynesfield Elementary School, Bristol. Each school received $1,000 for their environmental program, as well as a one-of-a-kind UT football experience with an awards presentation in the Vol Network studios, a special tailgate celebration, and on-field recognition during the game.
Additionally, two schools were awarded $1,500 for their efforts: South Knoxville Elementary School was honored as the Best New Program, and Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga received the Sustainability Steward Award.
“The state of Tennessee is best able to achieve our environmental goals when we all participate in sustainable activities,” said Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Commissioner Bob Martineau.
“TDEC is proud to recognize schools that add value to students’ education and their lives by encouraging programs that teach the importance of waste diversion.”
The GSAR program, which is sponsored by Eastman, Waste Connections and Food City, in cooperation with the University of Tennessee, has awarded more than $160,000 to K-12 schools in Tennessee for their environmental programs.
“School programs come in a variety of forms and include everything from reducing waste, providing environmental education and reducing overall impact through energy and water conservation to general recycling programs, the use of green space or other environmentally-focused programs,” said Kevin Stafford, Food City Vice President of Marketing.
On UT campus, the Good Sports Always Recycle Program also includes recycling, composting and donating programs in the UT athletic facilities, including Neyland Stadium.
Schools interested in learning more about the Good Sports Always Recycle™ program, should visit www.Eastman.com/GSAR.
