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Recognition

Have you completed an investigation and are ready to celebrate your student’s hard work?

Once your Green Team has completed a project (or more), it's time to celebrate and get recognized for your hard work. Let’s recognize your students and the great job they have done to help make their school and curriculum greener and more sustainable. There are a few ways to get the recognition you deserve as a Kentucky Green Schools.

School Field Trip

KGS Recognition

Start by completing the Recognition Application form linked below. There are three levels of recognition reserved for Kentucky Green Schools. Select schools will be invited to a Green School showcase at the Outdoor Learning Symposium hosted annually in early June.

Green Ribbon Schools

Hosted by our partners at KEEC, ​the U.S. Green Ribbon Schools program honors schools that are exemplary in Reducing environmental impact and cost; Improving the health and wellness of students and staff, and; Providing effective environmental and sustainability education

Excellence in EE Awards

Each year, KAEE awards one school the Outstanding PreK-12 School for Excellence in Environmental Education. Nominations are open from February through June. Award winners are recognized at the Annual KAEE Educators Conference in September. 

KGS Recognition

Apply below to be recognized for your Green Team's accomplishments. Take a look at the different levels of recognition to see which one you should apply for. All levels will be recognized on the KGS website and with a printable certificate. Select teams will be invited to the KAEE Outdoor Learning Symposium for a showcase in early June. We can’t wait to celebrate with you and encourage others to make a difference too!

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KGS Levels of Recognition

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GREEN LEVEL

SILVER LEVEL

GOLD LEVEL

Complete one project and receive a green leaf level banner to display at school.

Complete two to four projects and receive a silver leaf level banner to display at school.

Complete all five projects and receive an in person presentation of your gold leaf level banner & full size KGS flag to display at school.

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MODEL GREEN SCHOOL

Complete all five KGS investigations and projects and continue to complete at least one new project per year with new or growing green teams. Receive an in person presentation of your model green school banner and plaque that can be added to each year thereafter. Model schools are also recognized as mentors to new schools beginning their green school programs and will be listed on the KGS website as a model, and serve as resources to the greater KGS community.

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Green Ribbon Schools

​​The U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools program honors schools that are exemplary in three pillars:

  • Reducing environmental impact and cost

  • Improving the health and wellness of students and staff, and

  • Providing effective environmental and sustainability education, which incorporates STEM, civic skills and green career pathways.

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KAEE Excellence in EE Awards

Each year, KAEE awards one school the Outstanding PreK-12 School for Excellence in Environmental Education. Nominations are open from February through June. Award winners are recognized at the Annual KAEE Educators Conference in September.

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Kentucky Youth Awards Program (YAP) for Energy Achievement

Any Kentucky school who submits an energy investigation in either the KGS or KY NEED programs can receive mutual recognition and benefits from both programs. KY NEED hosts an annual Youth Awards Program (YAP) luncheon where student groups are recognized for the energy and environmental projects they have completed during the school year.  Contact Tyler Cvitkovic at tcvitkovic@need.org for more information

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This program is free to participate in thanks to our generous program sponsors.

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