Skyline wins national Green Ribbon School Award
The U.S Department of Education honored Skyline High for its eco-campus, nature adventure, natural classrooms, and health and fitness projects.
The environmental science class and the Outdoor Activities Club led award-winning projects at Skyline High.
Skyline High is the only Arizona school to receive the U.S. Department of Education's Green Ribbon School Award.
Shane Bycott's environmental science class and Outdoor Student Activities Club spearheaded the award-winning efforts in energy, stewardship, healthy lifestyles, and exploration and play categories.
Students reduced school energy costs; increased recycling, carpooling and walking; conducted science experiments in Payson; and led Earth Week activities.
"This was a campus, classroom and club event," Bycott said. "Students in the Advanced Placement environmental science class and the Outdoor Student Activities Club involved administrators, schoolmates, teachers and support staff. Principal Steve Green and Greg Schultz, assistant principal, helped inspire and facilitate the projects.
"Employees in the Mesa Public Schools Operations Division were also instrumental. Terry Worcester, MPS resource conservation supervisor, and Doug Aaron, MPS facility assistant liaison, provided tons of great information," Bycott added.
"The entire Skyline custodial staff, led by Mike Craig, was also instrumental in providing data. Skyline teachers were amazing. They listened to the students' ideas, followed through and made a difference," Bycott said.
"Our students made informed decisions and positive changes. They saved money and, more importantly, they learned how powerful their influence and actions can be in helping their community become a better place to live."
Shane Bycott teaches earth and space science and Advanced Placement environmental science. He coaches varsity boys soccer and sponsors the Outdoor Student Activities Club.