In a surprise accomplishment, Clark Magnet High School has received the silver award after submitting an application for nomination to the U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon schools recognition program. According to a California Department of Education news release, environmental excellence is the prominent factor in ensuring an award via three pillars focusing on reducing environmental impact, improving the health of schools and providing effective environmental education.

Clark Magnet won the award in part due to the school’s features which make it unique in ensuring a greener learning environment for all. Solar panels are seen near the student parking lot and members of the school’s Green Club plant trees on a frequent basis.

Sophomore Naomi Beach, a member of Green Club, recognizes the role that the club has played in ensuring a more environmentally-friendly and aesthetically-pleasing campus. “We are planting a variety of plants, such as ground cover plants, native to the state of California, and we are hoping to make sure that all future plants planted at Clark are native to California,” Beach said.

Principal Lena Kortoshian believes that it is an amazing feat as Clark won silver in its first year of applying for the award. “It is an honor for us to receive the award as we are the only school in the district to apply with Dr. Landisi taking the lead with the help of Ms. Newcomer. We knew that we would win because of our STEM component, and we are shooting for gold next year,” Kortoshian said.

In the news release, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson stressed the importance of Green Ribbon schools such as Clark Magnet. “We need to protect our magnificent and precious natural resources, and learn more about topics such as the causes of global warming,” Torlakson said.

Dominique Evans-Bye, teacher of biology and environmental science, views education as being the key in successfully implementing programs to reduce anthropogenic contributions to climate change. “Environmentally-friendly schools create a culture of environmental stewardship. Creating an environmentally literate population is our best hope for conserving our natural resources,” Evans-Bye said.