The most energy efficient school district in Nevada, Carson City School District, took time to honor school leaders and students for sustainability efforts at its first inaugural “Green Impact” awards ceremony Thursday at the Governor’s Mansion. Most notably, district leaders earned three of only 10 total Trailblazer Awards available nationally through the Green Schools National Network. Families, teachers, leaders and community partners gathered for a night of celebrating sustainability strides within the school district. Empire Elementary Principal Susan Squires, Director of Operations Services Mark Korinek and Superintendent Richard Stokes were acknowledged as recipients of the Trailblazer Award, which is a coveted recognition given to a handful of leaders across the nation for their pioneering spirit in leading their organizations down the sustainability path. Additionally, 17 students from Empire were recognized for their efforts of going above and beyond to establish healthy, equitable and sustainable schools and were given time to speak on strategies taken to better the planet. Twelve teachers, staff and partners also were recognized for their efforts in culture and climate; leadership; curriculum and instruction; and facilities and operations. “The night was abuzz with great food, great company and the feeling that we all believe in something bigger than ourselves,” said Cara Tirado, CCSD K-12 science and sustainability coordinator. “We all look forward to next year’s event and the accomplishments in the realm of sustainability between now and then for our school district.” Sen. Jacky Rosen sent staff member Louis Carrillo to hand deliver a personalized STEM award for each honoree, Tirado said. All students honored for the sustainability efforts include the following alphabetically by last name. Zaylie Aguilar Jasenia Avila Alexander Ayala-Martinez Parker Brown Anapaula Delgado Ricardo Gutierrez Diaz Arileny Guzman Perez Raul Hernandez Ivanna Herrera-Tovar Triston Hopper Maggie Jackson Adrian Manzano Donovan Padilla Sharp Kahliana Ramirez Jose Valeazquez JuanPablo Vazquez Laneiyah Wages All teacher, employees and leaders honored for the sustainability efforts include the following alphabetically by last name. Virgil Berry Shelina Bouthillier Elizabeth Bryan Tasha Fuson Adam Hunsaker Susan Ikehara Mark Korinek Robert Ligon Toni Nielsen Teneya Rasmussen-Cramer Susan Squires Kristin Steinkraus Richard Stokes Megan Weinhold Adrienne Wiggins
