Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) congratulated St. Leo the Great School in Lincroft on Wednesday for being honored as a 2019 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School for its commitment to sustainable practices.

“Respect and care for the environment should be an important part of the formation of young men and women, and I am pleased that students and staff at St. Leo’s have taken this responsibility seriously. It should inspire us all,” Smith said.

Mr. Cornelius Begley, Principal of Saint Leo the Great School, stated, “One of the fundamental principles at Saint Leo the Great School is to engage our students in real world learning that inspires them to be stewards of our environment. Being selected as a 2019 National Green Ribbon School recognizes that Saint Leo’s is a launching pad for tomorrow’s environmentalists, environmental scientists, sustainability advocates, and teachers.”

St. Leo’s was one of only 53 schools, districts, or postsecondary institutions nationwide to be given the U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School award, meeting the criteria of excellence in the award’s three pillars: “reduced environmental impact and costs,” “improved health and wellness,” and “effective environmental and sustainability education.”

“Congratulations to the staff, students, and parents at St. Leo’s for their leadership and competitive edge,” said Smith. “St. Leo’s won this award for its contribution to environmental sustainability through the installation of a solar field, establishing a recycling program, waste reduction and continued education of students on recycling.”

The school also won a National Blue Ribbon School award in November, recognized by the Department of Education as one of the top-performing schools in the country.

The award-winning schools, districts, and postsecondary institutions will be honored in September in Washington, D.C. at a Capitol Hill reception.