2000 Be Smart Educator Excellence Awards

Lisa Kurth inspires her students to make a commitment to our planet, Earth through projects, lectures and competitions that emphasize waste reduction, resource conservation and care and respect for our resources. Lisa Kurth involved all of her Environmental Science students in the Be Smart Scholarship Competition. Her classes helped prevent water pollution by stenciling warnings on storm drains. She has promoted community clean-ups and involved her students in Earth Day projects to raise awareness for the environment. She helps students raise money for an environmental organization they choose each year. She organized the school's paper recycling program and continues to monitor it. Thanks to the efforts of Ms. Kurth, students leave Catholic Memorial High School with the awareness for the environment that is necessary for the future.

Phillip Lyden - $250 Award

Teacher and Middle School Coordinator, Walden III School, Racine, Wisconsin

Phillip Lyden has taught an elective class entitled, "Recycling" for the last ten years. Students in the class promote and operate the school's recycling program and learn about the benefits of recycling. 5,000 students have participated in the class since its inception. The students in the class play a role in educating the whole school about recycling and waste reduction. Mr. Lyden instills in students a respect for the environment and a life-long responsibility for recycling.

Educator Honorable Mention

The Providence Catholic School Student Council, Athletic Association and Students

Elementary Campus - Union Grove, Wisconsin Middle School Campus - Kansasville, Wisconsin

Recycling at Providence Catholic School is a cooperative project that teaches all students to play a part in caring for the health of the planet. The Student Council removes waste and recyclables from the lunchroom and pays for the monthly pick-up of recyclables. The Athletic Association collects aluminum cans for recycling and uses the revenues to support the athletics program. Students from kindergarten on are involved in the recycling process in the classrooms and adults in the building set an example of stewardship for the environment.