Applications for the annual Environmental Community Service Award are now available.
Wawa, 6abc and the environmental law firm Manko, Gold, Katcher & Fox LLC (MGKF) are once again presenting the annual Environmental Community Service Award. The award is now celebrating its 11th year of supporting environmental programs that improve the local community.
The goal of the Environmental Community Service Award is to recognize two schools (6th to 12th grades) for their outstanding programs that enhance and improve the quality of life in their communities as well as raise awareness of environmental concerns. Understanding the importance of encouraging schools to launch or sustain environmental programs, media partner 6abc will help increase awareness of the award with their audiences throughout the Delaware Valley.
Each year two schools receive a $5,000 honorarium to further their environmental programs. The application for this year’s Environmental Community Service Award is now available online. All applications must be signed by a school official and submitted by Monday, March 21, 2016. Surprise presentations will be made at the winning schools prior to Earth Day, April 22, 2016.
Since the program’s inception, 20 schools in the tri‐state area have been recognized for their outstanding programs. Last year, George W. Nebinger School in Philadelphia won for their entire campaign –“Go Green—One Team One Planet.” Their outdoor learning lab benefits students, families and the community. Other supporting programs are in partnership with the Delaware Estuary, the Philadelphia Water Department, Philadelphia Water Works Interpretive Center and Philly Magic Gardens.
The Douglass School in Wilmington, Del., for at‐risk students, was recognized for their S.a.L.T. program—Students Serving Society and Learning Too. This multi‐level program includes planting and harvesting vegetables in partnership with Healthy Foods for Healthy Kids.
Robb Fox, partner of Manko, Gold, Katcher & Fox LLP who founded the Environmental Community Service award more than a decade ago, is proud of everything that has been accomplished through this award. “Every year I look forward to learning more about the great work being done in the schools and the positive impact their projects have on the community.”
“We have always felt that this award program is a unique way to recognize students for their efforts to make our planet more sustainable and share their ideas and achievements with the community,” said Richard Wood, director of Sustainability and Government Relations for Wawa.
Bernie Prazenica, 6abc president and general manager, is delighted to once again partner with the Environmental Community Service Award. “At 6abc, we take pride in the many ways we work to protect the environment and promote sustainability. The Action News team looks forward to showcasing the work of these bright, innovative students, while bringing focus to environmental concerns right here in our neighborhoods.”
Previous Winners:
In prior years, the winner schools have been The Pathway School in Norristown, Pa., South Philadelphia High School in Philadelphia, Central Bucks High School West in Doylestown, Pa., Abington High School in Abington, Pa, Williamstown Middle School in Williamstown, N.J., Hatboro‐Horsham High School in Horsham, Pa., Charles F. Patton Middle School in Kennett Square, Pa., Father Judge and Lincoln High Schools in Philadelphia, Epiphany of Our Lord School in Plymouth Meeting, Pa., Abraham Lincoln High School – Horticultural Academy in Philadelphia, Interboro High School in Prospect Park, Pa., St. Francis Xavier School in the Fairmount section of Philadelphia, Cedarbrook Middle School in Wyncote, Pa., Gateway Regional High School in Woodbury Heights, N.J., W.B. Saul High School of Agricultural Sciences, Philadelphia, Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander University of Pennsylvania Partnership School in West Philadelphia, Friends Central Middle School in Merion, Pa. and Camden High School in Camden, N.J.
The individuals who judge the programs are all experts in the field of the environment and science. They are representatives from The Franklin Institute, the Academy of Natural Sciences, the Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center, Pennsylvania and New Jersey’s Department of Environmental Protection and Delaware’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, along with someone representing each sponsor ‐‐ Wawa, 6abc and MGKF.
How to Apply:
The Environmental Community Service Award application is available to download at these links.
- Wawa – www.wawa.com/WawaWeb/PressReleases.aspx
- 6abc – http://6abc.cm/1nVsHyd
- Manko, Gold, Katcher & Fox LLP – www.mankogold.com/about‐community.html
It can be sent electronically but it must be signed by a school official and sent from an official school e‐mail address. Electronic applications are accepted at [email protected] or a hardcopy can be sent by mail to MGKF, Attn: Environmental Award, 401 City Avenue, Ste. 901, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004. For general information, contact Sharla Feldscher, public relations, (215) 627‐0801, ext. 101.