Bothell’s Secondary Academy for Success (SAS) is in good company with 77 other schools nationwide who have received a green thumbs up from some higher-ups in Washington, D.C.

On April 23, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, White House Council on Environmental Quality Chair Nancy Sutley and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson announced the first-ever U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools that span 29 states and D.C.

The federal recognition program, which opened in September 2011, honors schools the exercise a comprehensive approach to creating green environments through reducing environmental impact, promoting health and ensuring a high-quality environmental and outdoor education.

Speaking during a visit to Stoddert Elementary School, one of D.C.’s two honorees, Sutley noted that “schools that take a green approach cut costs on their utility bills, foster healthy and productive classrooms and prepare students to thrive in the 21st-century economy.”

Back in Bothell, SAS Principal Vicki Puckett said that she’s proud of her staff for their instructional leadership to teach students about sustainable environmental issues.

“These are real issues that they will continue to face as they become adults. Also, having business partners like McKinstry has been wonderful. They have helped us immensely,” Puckett added.

Along with McKinstry Industries, Northshore School District Superintendent Larry Francois said that 21 Acres, Cascadia Community College, the University of Washington, the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and the Northshore Schools Foundation has teamed up with SAS to help kids learn about the environment.

“SAS students and staff have truly embraced environmental stewardship and sustainability. They are at the forefront of efforts taking place across our district in areas such as recycling, composting, energy management and sustainable practices. This mission permeates the school and has become a key element of SAS’s identity and focus,” Francois said.

More than 350 schools completed applications to their state education agencies, and the 78 winners stood out from among nearly 100 nominees.

The Green Ribbons are one-year recognition awards, and next year’s competition will open in summer 2012. State agencies can submit nominees by June 15 via e-mail to green.ribbon.schools@ed.gov.