FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Jan. 30, 2012

Gaffney High School program recognized as Champion of the Environment

COLUMBIA, S.C. - Gaffney Senior High School has been recognized as a Champion of the Environment for its "Green Teens: Sustainability is a Reality Project," the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control announced today.

"This project will educate students about sustainable gardening practices," said Amanda Ley, coordinator for Champions of the Environment. "Students will maintain a school herb garden by using composted cafeteria waste, lawn trimmings, and collected rainwater."

Ley said students will educate the community about sustainable gardening practices by placing educational signage around the garden and by selling the harvested herbs at the local farmers' market.

As a Champion of the Environment, Gaffney Senior High School will receive a grant award to implement this project. The school will also be featured on the Champions' website and a commercial will be made about the project and aired on WIS-TV in Columbia and WCSC-TV in Charleston.

Champions of the Environment supports environmental action in South Carolina's kindergarten through 12th grade students through its grant award program. Champions is sponsored by DHEC, International Paper, Sonoco Recycling Inc., WCSC-TV and WIS-TV with assistance from the Environmental Education Association of South Carolina. More information about Champions of the Environment can be found at http://www.scdhec.gov/champions.

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For more information:
Amanda Ley - (803) 898-4183
Email - champs@dhec.sc.gov
or
Jim Beasley - (803) 898-7769
Email - beaslejc@dhec.sc.gov