The Northeast Resource Recycling Association (NRRA), Epsom, New Hampshire, along with the New Hampshire the Beautiful and NRRA’s School Recycling CLUB presented nine awards to teachers, students, staff and schools that have started, expanded or sustained their school recycling programs. The awards were presented during the 10th Annual School Recycling Conference on May 21 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Downtown Hotel in Manchester, New Hampshire.
“We are committed to supporting and recognizing the recycling efforts of schools,” says Michael Durfor, NRRA executive director. “NRRA knows students are tomorrow’s recyclers, consumers and environmental leaders. Sustainable school recycling programs depend on students, teachers and facility staff all working in concert. Through its innovative ‘Town and Gown’ recycling program, NRRA helps bring schools and the town transfer facilities together to increase recycling and reduce costs. The NRRA School Recycling CLUB also recognized 9-year-old Ryan Hickman of California and 16-year-old Greta Thunberg of Sweden for her School Strike 4 Climate initiative. Both of their programs exemplify the difference that one student can make in the world.”
The following individuals or schools received awards:
• NH the Beautiful School Recycling Innovation Award ($500) – Principal Owen Harrington of Dunbarton Elementary School in Dunbarton, New Hampshire
• Best Composter Award – John Stevens of Somersworth Middle School in Somersworth, New Hampshire
• Individual Rookie Recycler of the Year – Alex Kittridge of White Mountains Regional School District #36 in Whitfield, New Hampshire
• School Rookie Recycler of the Year – Mountain Village Charter School in Plymouth, New Hampshire
• Outstanding Community Involvement – Jessie Jennings of Plymouth Recycling Center in Plymouth, New Hampshire
• Facilities Staff Recycler of the Year – Larry Hewey of Loudon Elementary School in Loudon, New Hampshire
• Teacher Recycler of the Year – Stephen Fitzgerald of Nashua High School North in Nashua, New Hampshire
• Special Recognition Award – Ryan Hickman of Ryan’s Recycling in California
• Special Recognition Award – Greta Thunberg of School Strike 4 Climate in Sweden
NRRA’s School Recycling CLUB is a nonprofit group that assists K-12 schools in implementing, maintaining and improving recycling programs.