HISD’s Energy & Sustainability Department has announced Lantrip Elementary School as the winner of the Earth Month 2017 contest.

The annual Earth Month contest encourages schools to participate throughout the month of April in a variety of environmentally friendly activities in exchange for participation points. The group with the largest amount of participation points wins the grand prize – an outdoor classroom.

The contest aims to raise awareness about the environmental impact of HISD campuses and promote sustainable behaviors and actions that can reduce carbon footprints.

Lantrip students, staff, parents, and community members won more than 2,000 points by bringing in high attendance numbers at both the Urban Harvest farmers market and the school’s week of Earth Day celebrations focusing on issues such as the importance of recycling and animal conservation.

“We are beyond ecstatic,” said Lantrip Principal Magdalena Strickland, who credits her science team with ensuring that the school met all eligibility requirements to participate in the activities. “They truly went beyond the call of duty.”

Lantrip’s new outdoor classroom, sponsored by Volunteer Houston and Points of Light, will be built this summer. The school also will receive a one-year membership to Urban Harvest and AARP.