Central Campus of Des Moines was honored in Washington, D.C., June 4 for being among the first-ever U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools. These schools have set the standard for saving energy, reducing costs, providing healthy learning spaces, and offering education geared toward the challenges of the 21st century.

Central Campus was among 26 high schools nationwide to be recognized at the ceremony, which was attended by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and other federal leaders. In all, 78 schools were honored on June 4.

Central Campus Director Gary McClanahan and Assistant Director Julie Rosin attended the ceremony, along with the Iowa Department of Education’s Jeff Berger and Gary Schwartz.

"These schools represent a broad portfolio of urban, suburban, and rural communities, working to provide students with a high-quality, well-rounded education, healthy living, clean environments and best practices for reducing our environmental impact," Secretary Duncan said. "Green Ribbon Schools are an inspiration and deserve the spotlight for embodying strong examples of innovative learning and civic engagement."

Representatives from winning schools received plaques and banners in recognition of their high achievement.

The Green Ribbons are one-year recognition awards. Iowa schools apply through the Iowa Department of Education, which may nominate up to four schools. More than 350 schools nationwide applied in 2012. Schools will have another opportunity to apply this winter.

Next year's program criteria will be published this summer for states to develop those competitions. State agencies will submit their nominees in early 2013. Sixteen states, including Iowa, have indicated their intent to nominate schools in the next round.