36,825 students learned with PRIDE in 2011-2012
May 31, 2012 by clackeyNature came to life in classrooms across southern and eastern Kentucky during this school year, thanks to the PRIDE Environmental Education Outreach Program.
The program sent 15 environmental education liaisons into schools in 22 counties (including all independent school systems in those counties), reaching a total of 36,825 students between September 2011 and May 2012. They were:
- Alger Jent – Knox County
- Amanda Wilson – McCreary County and Whitley County
- Beth McDaniel – Laurel County
- Cindy Looney – Perry County and Pike County
- Deborah Gay – Leslie County
- Derrick Howard – Magoffin County
- Kody Christian – Lee County and Owsley County
- Linda Rose – Morgan County
- Mary Hampton – Harlan County
- Monica Walker – Pulaski County and Russell County
- Paul Flowers – Lawrence County
- Sarah Talley – Bell County
- Shellie Kendall – Taylor County
- Sue Christian – Breathitt County and Menifee County
- Wonda Hammons – Clay County, Jackson County and Rockcastle County
To view their photos in PRIDE’s Flickr gallery, please click here.
Their goal was to help students prepare for state science tests and develop life-long environmental stewardship skills.
The liaisons taught lessons and led hands-on activities that covered a span of environmental topics including energy, botany, ecosystems, wildlife concepts, solid waste and water quality. They partnered with teachers to complement their classroom instruction.
The liaisons focused on third, fourth and fifth-grade classes. They also worked with all grade levels involved in PRIDE Clubs, which explore environmental issues and perform community service.
Liaisons also helped with a variety of special projects in their community. For example, the McCreary County liaison, Amanda Wilson, helped the county launch its recycling program by visiting all schools to demonstrate why and how to recycle.
In Jackson County, liaison Wonda Hammons, guided students to design road signs that promoted community pride and discouraged littering. The fiscal court produced six student-designed signs and installed them on major roads.
“Students really turn on when PRIDE liaisons lead hands-on activities that bring to life lessons they’ve been learning in class,” said PRIDE’s Tammie Wilson. “Environmental education is a great tool for practicing a variety of skills, from math to problem-solving.”
“Teacher evaluations of the liaisons were excellent and showed great interest in continuing the program,” Wilson said. “I want to thank our liaisons, who are so creative and enthusiastic. They enjoy interacting with students and teaming with teachers.”
“We are grateful to the local governments, school boards, utility companies and others who sponsored the program in their counties, as well as the superintendents, principals and teachers who welcomed PRIDE into their schools this year,” Wilson added. “You are to be commended for investing in your students and our environment.”
PRIDE offers the outreach program in 38 counties of southern and eastern Kentucky. In each county, local leaders pay a fee, based on student population, to enroll their schools.
PRIDE is a nonprofit organization that promotes “Personal Responsibility In a Desirable Environment” in southern and eastern Kentucky. PRIDE works with communities to improve water quality, clean up solid waste problems and increase environmental awareness. PRIDE was founded in 1997 by Congressman Hal Rogers (KY-5) and the late James Bickford, former Kentucky Secretary of Environmental Protection.
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