WHEREAS, the Alabama State Board of Education recognizes the importance of saving energy, reducing costs, creating environmentally sustainable learning spaces, protecting health, and fostering wellness for Alabama students; and

WHEREAS, the United States Department of Education recognizes those schools in the nation that are striving to achieve an energy-efficient and healthy school environment with the Green Ribbon Schools Award; and

WHEREAS, Munford Elementary School in the Talladega County School System was nominated for the Green Ribbon Schools Award for its innovation to improving its environmental impact and energy efficiency and environmental and sustainability education; and

WHEREAS, on April 23, 2012, Munford Elementary School was named a National Green Ribbon School, one of only 78 schools in the entire nation; and

WHEREAS, Munford Elementary School is the first school in the southeast modeled after a forest and integrates forestry, conservation, and environmental education themes throughout the curriculum through “theme immersion” and daily instruction uses the physical design and interactive exhibits to convey environmental elements:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Alabama State Board of Education does hereby commend Munford Elementary School for its commitment to environmental awareness and education and does hereby express its congratulations to the students and educators of Talladega County.

Done this 10th day of May 2012