Last night we celebrated Clark County's community sustainability efforts at the Green Gala, held at Vancouver's historic Kiggins Theater. Ali Coker, Green Team leader for Camas High School was presented with the Green Apple award which recognizes an individual instilling environmental leadership in their school community.
Clark County Councilor Julie Olson presented the award in addition to a few other community awards. Susie Snortum from Waste Not Food Taxi shared about her group's efforts to rescue uneaten food from commercial businesses and schools by using a network of volunteer drivers to get it to people who need it most. Temple Lentz hosted the event, presented by Clark County Public Health.
The awards were created by Joe Clifton, local resident and artist who participates at the Clark County Recycled Arts Festival. From head to toe, it was created from repurposed metal including a bocce ball, socket, shelving and discarded tubing.
The Green Apple award relies on public nominations from their school community. This year's nominees were:- Ali Coker, Camas High School
- Dr. Charlene Shea, Gaiser Middle School
- Jane Kleiner, parent volunteer for Hough Elementary School
- Kris Potter, River HomeLink
- Nancy Stoy, Lacamas Heights Elementary School
- Shannon Brooks, Thomas Jefferson Middle School
So many people are doing amazing work in the Clark County Green Schools community, not just the nominees listed above. Huge thanks go out to countless other Green Team leaders who raise awareness of environmental issues and activate students to make change.
- Green Neighbor Award: Lee LaLone
- Master Composter Recycler Superstar: Barb Rider
- Green Business Award (small business): Bikram Yoga Hazel Dell
- Green Business Award (large business): Corwin Beverage
Thanks to everyone who came out to support our community and nominees. It was an inspiration to see such support of environmental efforts.