Clark County Public Health is celebrating Earth Month by recognizing the winners of the 2024 Green Awards! The annual awards are presented to individuals and organizations in our community who are working to create a greener, more environmentally sustainable future for Clark County. Award winners will receive trophies made entirely from recycled materials by students at Washougal High School.
The Green Apple Award recognizes individuals involved in school sustainability programs or projects. This year, two recipients were chosen for their commitment to improving green practices at their schools and inspiring the next generation of environmental leaders.
Jennifer Baybado
Jennifer Baybado, a third-grade teacher at Sacajawea Elementary School in Vancouver is a true sustainability champion in her school. She and her green team implement programs to help students reduce waste, properly recycle, and compost their food scraps. She is taking the lead in creating an outdoor learning area with raised garden beds, work bin benches, and outdoor seating for students to learn and grow. Jennifer truly walks the walk and talks the talk; we are so lucky to have her be a part of our amazing school community!
Linda Kubes
Linda Kubes is a teaching assistant at the Washington State School for the Blind. Over the last few years, she has led the green team, otherwise known as the Green Beings, in completing sustainability projects around campus. Those projects include organizing litter clean ups, composting using worm bins, starting a school garden, and improving recycling. Last year, Linda helped the Green Beings receive the 2023 Green Team of the Year Award. Student Charles Johnson perfectly describes Linda: "Ms. Linda sees the potential in all students who are part of the Green Beings and even though we may not all have perfect sight; she sees that we can all be part of a sustainable future." Thank you for being a true leader, Linda!
With spring knocking at our door, it is a perfect time to give a little extra love to Mother Nature. We hope you are as inspired as we are by these great leaders in our community! Thank you to everyone out there making positive changes for the future. Congratulations to these stand-out Green Apple Award winners and a happy Earth Month to all!