Syre Brownie Troop honored as Earth Heroes in Schools

Photo: The Syre Brownie Troop with King County Executive Dow Constantine and Troop 41245 leader Michele Earl-Hubbard. Photo courtesy Shoreline Schools.

By Craig Degginger

Brownie Troop 41245 from Syre Elementary in Shoreline was recently honored as a group of "Earth Heroes at Schools" by King County Executive Dow Constantine.

"While these winners of the Earth Heroes at Schools award represent different segments of the school community, they all share a passion for the environment and for taking a hands-on approach to improving the world around us," Executive Dow Constantine said.

For their annual service project, this determined group of second- and third- grade scouts at Syre challenged themselves and their entire school by starting a lunchroom recycling program. They researched what materials could be collected for recycling, contacted their local recycling service for information, met with the school principal and custodian, and recruited parents and students to monitor the program and educate others on how to properly use it. Through a lunchtime presentation and a school newsletter article, the girls provided information about the program. As a result of the program, lunchtime waste was cut in half.

Executive Constantine presented certificates to the Syre troop in a ceremony at Maplewood Greens Golf Course in Renton.

This year the program recognized a record number of Earth Heroes countywide: Seven teachers, the Brownie troop, a student, three custodians, a parent and eight schools.

Many of the winners also participate in the King County Green Schools Program to take specific actions to conserve natural resources and reduce waste.