Among world's best in environment: ÉSLCHS Selected in Top 10 as World's Best School for Environmental Action, by T4 Education
École Secondaire Lacombe Composite High School (ÉSLCHS) is among the Top 10 schools in the world for environmental action, as awarded by T4 Education.
The global organization, committed to providing engaging tools, initiatives, and events for teachers to improve education, chose ÉSLCHS in its Top 10 as World’s Best School for Environmental Action out of tens of thousands of schools. The school’s EcoVision Club and its many programs and initiatives lent to the school’s selection.
The announcement was made by T4 Education online June 9, and announced by Wolf Creek Public Schools (WCPS) and ÉSLCHS at an event June 10, with the Honourable Ron Orr, Lacombe - Ponoka MLA; Lacombe Mayor Grant Creasey; WCPS Board Chair Luci Henry; and WCPS Superintendent Tim De Ruyck.
“We are exceedingly proud of the efforts of Mr. Schultz and his many students who have committed to the improvement and preservation of the local and broader environment,” said De Ruyck. “Through the EcoVision Club and its programs, Lacombe Comp has been community and world leaders for more than a decade, and this latest recognition is further testament to those efforts.”
WCPS Board Chair Luci Henry said this recent recognition shows a track record of success and action on the environment for the school and EcoVision students.
“Action is an understatement. Mr. Schultz and EcoVision students, for more than a decade have dared to dream of different ways to improve their environment and their community,” said Henry. “They have brought their community together, through sponsors and programs, projects and advocacy, and they continue to make a major impact. These students develop a sense of ownership over their world and because of that, our world is so much better for it.”
The EcoVision Club has had a large benefit on many students over the years, and made the students passionate stewards of the community and environment.
This award marks the importance of youth, students and schools in climate action that engage with solutions for global warming and climate crisis. T4 Education looks for schools that help students take action to protect their future as one of the school’s priorities. As part of the Top 10, ÉSLCHS continues to be in the running for the top award, which carries with it a $50,000 grant that would help further the efforts of EcoVision, and allow for outreach to other schools to develop similar programs.
“This is a tremendous honor to be in the Top 10, and we are humbled to be selected out of the countless schools across the planet,” said Steven Schultz, EcoVision teacher. “If we were to win the World's Best School Prize for Environmental Action, we would use the funds to invest in student-led environmental initiatives and create scholarships that would allow students to earn their qualifications through workshops, courses and other programmes.”
The announcement has already created another sense of validation for the hardwark of EcoVision students.
“I am so excited that our school was selected as one of the top 10 finalists in the World's Best School Award, for our environmental action. This recognition validates our hard work and ensures that our youth voice is heard,” Taylor Perez, EcoVision student.
T4 Education launched the World's Best School Prizes as a grassroots help build the systemic change needed, following the impacts of COVID on education around the world.
"By telling the stories of inspirational schools that are transforming the lives of their students and making a real difference to their communities, schools can share their best practices and have their voices heard at the top table to help transform education," said Vikas Pota, Founder of T4 Education and the World’s Best School Prizes.
Winners will be announced during World Education Week in October.