Hardy Elementary School and Wellesley High School students and supporters on May 6 went to the State House, where they were honored as part of the 20th Annual Secretary’s Awards for Excellence in Energy and Environmental Education program.

The Wellesley Green Schools collaborative of students, parents and staff has worked to reduce the schools’ ecological footprint and inspire the community to be ecologically minded.

Green Schools partnered with the Sustainable Wellesley volunteer group, which has spearheaded green certification for Wellesley Public Schools (90% of classrooms have been certified and others are close). Efforts have included reading books with eco-friendly themes, recycling, using both sides of paper as well as turning off lights, computers and water when not in use.

Wellesley High students were honored for their “No Idling Campaign”. Hardy School’s Green Team was singled out for certifying classrooms by following a checklist to minimize energy consumption and maximize recycling.

Overall, the Patrick Administration recognized 22 schools and 5 nonprofits. Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Richard Sullivan doled out the awards.

(Thanks to Rama K. Ramaswamy for passing along the info/photo)