The Sanitation Department presented P.S. 146 students with this year's Golden Apple Award. With it comes a 10-thousand dollar prize to schools that complete projects focused on recycling, waste reduction, composting and neighborhood beautification.
Students helped transform the school's parking lot into a green space with farm beds, plants, a rainwater catchment system and an outdoor classroom.
Sanitation Commissioner Kathryn Garcia was effusive in her praise of the young conservationists: "We really want to make sure that we're committed to these awards and to making sure that we recognize the great things that are happening in our communities.”
The green-thumbed students were proud of their accomplishments as well. “What we did here is pretty amazing, we got all these plants,” said one student.
Another remarked on how much fun it was helping the environment: “The most important part I think, is having fun while being really conscious that there is climate change.”
Yet another was proud to see the fruits of her labor. “I think it's cool to like see all your plants grow," she said.
The New York Restoration Project also presented the school with its Rose Award for the project.