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U.S. Secretary of Education Names Minuteman Regional Technical Vocational High School, 2024 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School / District Sustainability Awardee/ Postsecondary Sustainability Awardee

The U.S. Department of Education announced today that Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical High School, in Lexington, Ma is among the 2024 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools award honorees.

Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical High School was nominated by DESE Minuteman built a state-of-the-art LEED Silver certified building to replace an outdated 30+-year-old facility. The Horticulture and Environmental Science programs each have a greenhouse space with a 2,000-gallon water collection system for roof runoff. The greenhouse supports a sustainable food and farming curriculum by allowing students to be able to grow produce and herbs year-round that supply the student cafeteria. Students tend five beehives and learn how to tap the maples on campus to collect sap for maple syrup production, reinforcing the value of the landscape as it relates to the economy and environmental health. The building was outfitted with a rooftop solar photovoltaic system. Minuteman makes every effort to ensure that career and technical education programs keep up with sustainability progress in each industry.

"We're incredibly honored to receive the U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School award for 2024. This recognition reflects the hard work and commitment of our entire school community to sustainability and environmental stewardship. It's a testament to our collective efforts to create a greener, more sustainable future for our students and the broader community. I couldn't be prouder of everyone at Minuteman High School for embracing this mission and leading by example." - Kevin Mahoney, Interim Superintendent, Minuteman High School.

Across the country, 41 schools, 10 districts, three postsecondary institutions, and one early learning center are being honored for their innovative efforts to reduce environmental impact and utility costs, improve health and wellness, and ensure effective sustainability education. The honorees were named from a pool of candidates nominated by 24 states.

Consult the list of all selected schools, districts, colleges, and universities, as well as their nomination packages. Read a report with highlights on the 55 honorees. Learn more about the federal recognition award. Find resources for all schools to move toward the three Pillars. 

###About Minuteman High School

Minuteman High School in Lexington, MA, is a leading vocational-technical high school committed to providing students with a comprehensive and empowering education. With a focus on academic excellence and practical skills development, Minuteman prepares students for success in both college and career pathways.

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