Gwynedd-Mercy Academy Elementary is the only Pennsylvania school that has been recognized with a Green Ribbon Award for 2020 for its dedication towards going green, writes Marc Narducci for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

The prestigious national honor is presented by the U.S. Department of Education. The ribbon recognizes schools, districts, and higher education institutions for their efforts in saving energy and operating costs, incorporating environmental and sustainability education, and overall dedication to health and wellness.

This year, only 55 Green Ribbon awards were presented nationwide.

“It was a distinct honor and privilege” to receive the award, said GMAE principal Anne Knapke.

She added that the most impressive thing “is how much the students were involved in it.”

Seventh-grader Regan Perez said that one of the critical concerns for her and her peers is caring for Earth.

“It’s important to make the world a better place for everyone today — and for those who come after us,” she said.

Among the factors that helped the private, Catholic co-educational institution stand out is its own greenhouse installed last spring, where students spent hours planting various vegetables and spices.

Read more about Gwynedd-Mercy Academy Elementary at The Philadelphia Inquirer by clicking here.