LA MESA SCHOOL HONORED

A La Mesa school was among several honored nationwide recently by the U.S. Department of Education as a 2022 Green Ribbon School.

St. Martin of Tours Academy was one of four California schools that were cited as “Green Achievers,” receiving top honors for its environmental efforts.

The academy invested in a rooftop solar system for the school’s operations and participates in net energy metering that exports surplus energy to the grid. It also installed high-energy performance windows, a water filtration system, and air purification systems. Landscaping was replaced with droughttolerant native plants and rocks.

Grounds feature bioswales, reused tree trunk stump seating, rain barrels, and downspouts that direct rainwater to fruit trees and the organic garden maintained by K-5 classes.

Students engage in STEM activities and take part in in “real-world” challenges on environmental topics.

The school was among 27 schools, five districts and four post-secondary educational institutions honored for their work to reduce environmental impacts and utility costs, improve health and wellness, and ensure sustainability education.

Two other county schools received Silver awards: Bella Mente Montessori Academy, Vista; and Jefferson Elementary, Carlsbad.