The school’s effort, Think Green Project, was a winner in the category Innovations in Curriculum and Instruction., using the project motto of “A Cleaner Today for a Green Tomorrow.”
“Needless to say, we are very excited at being recognized for our ongoing commitment to environmental awareness,” said Mrs. Brenda Dufrene, principal of the 285-student school, which has classes in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade.
According to the article published in the supplement of the March issue of Today’s Catholic Teacher, the entire school dedicated itself to helping the environment.
The school’s Science Club worked with the National Energy Education Development Project, researching energy sources and placing first in the state for many years. Students also launched a comprehensive recycling program, collecting recyclables in every classroom with student-made boxes. This project garnered the school first place in the 2008 Keep Louisiana Beautiful Campaign. Students also participated in a Beach Sweep to clean the beaches of Lake Charles.
The Science Club was one of 14 school groups nationwide to win a $50,000 award in the Lexus Environmental Challenge. The Lexus Environmental Challenge has three components: Land, Water and Air. St. Margaret’s recycling program met the Land requirement. The students began a storm drain project for the Water element, and adopted the Save-the-World Pledge for the Air element. They brought information to the community through a mall booth, a science fair, and a blog.
Through the joint efforts of the junior high science teacher, Ms. Judy Reeves, and Thomas Breaux, a student working on his Eagle Scout project, a solar powered classroom was established. Solar panels and a solar power system were installed and the appliances in the room were changed to Energy Star products for energy efficiency. Even the music department joined in the environmental focus with The Earth Share Project, connecting global cultural music with worldwide environmental concerns.