Sherry Edwards, fifth-grade teacher at North Hill, has been named a 2009 “Earth Hero at School” recipient by the Office of Ron Sims, King County Executive. Ms. Edwards is advisor of North Hill’s Ecology Club. With the help of staff and students, Ms. Edwards is working toward North Hill’s designation as a King County Green School.

Ms. Edwards and sixth-grade teacher Stephanie Nichols have set up worm bins at North Hill to use as fertilizer for the courtyard area and to teach students about decomposition.

The Ecology Club student members conduct audits of classrooms and offices and award a “Green Certificate” to those who consistently recycle and turn off lights. In addition, they collect and clean juice pouches for recycling, as well as cell phones and printer ink cartridges.

Mary Hanson, the school custodian, has implemented a recycling program for all milk cartons from the cafeteria.

North Hill has been working with Jim Branson, a native plant steward, to transform the grass-covered courtyard into a native plant habitat.

Ms. Edwards receives her Earth Hero award at a ceremony April 30. With her will be Mrs. Hanson, Mr. Branson, and Ecology Club president Angie Cuadra-Palacios.