WKCTC Vice President Accepts Sustainability Award in Nation's Capital
Paducah, KY (10/02/2021) — West Kentucky Community and Technical College was one of 27 schools recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for its sustainability efforts during a ceremony this week in Washington, D. C. Honorees were invited to send up to two representatives to accept their plaque and celebrate at a reception with lawmakers and agency officials on September 28.
Shay Nolan, WKCTC vice president of campus operations, was on hand to accept the college's recognition as a 2021 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools Sustainability Awardee. Nominated by the Kentucky Environmental Education Council, WKCTC was one of only two institutions in Kentucky and the only community and technical college to receive the prestigious honor.
Across the country, the 27 schools were recognized for cultivating sustainable, healthy facilities, wellness practices, and authentic place-based learning. Prioritizing climate and sustainability in schools and school systems is central to President Biden's Build Back Better Agenda, which includes a $100 billion investment in rebuilding our nation's public schools to create safe and healthy learning environments for all students.
WKCTC's efforts have included revitalizing a campus Nature Trail, faculty integrating environmental awareness into their courses, maintenance staff increasing campus safety, recycling, energy savings duties, and administrative leaders providing the framework and encouragement for these initiatives. "It was a tremendous honor to be recognized as a U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School," Nolan said. "I'm so proud of the way our college - faculty, staff, and students - came together not only to come up with innovative ideas to support sustainability but also following through on those ideas. The dedication of our faculty, staff, and students to our sustainability programs has also been rewarding."
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(left to right) Cindy Marten, U.S. Deputy Education Secretary, stands with WKCTC Vice President Shay Nolan during a U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools celebration in Washington, D.C. September 28.