Earth Day was on Friday and one Missoula high school was awarded an honorable distinction. Hellgate High School Principal Lisa Hendrix said the school was named one of the 2016 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon schools.

"The award acknowledges schools that make a commitment to sustainable practices," Hendrix said. "There's several areas that are considered. Some of those include reducing environmental impact and cost such as your energy saving, your waste water saving. Also included is your ability to show that you have effective environmental and sustainable education."

Hendrix said four participants are eligible to attend the presentation ceremony in Washington D.C. this summer.

"We have to make our own way there with transportation and accommodations," Hendrix said. "We'll be looking to see how feasible that is. I would love to send our SAVE sponsors. We have two faculty members that work diligently with SAVE, especially Lee Brown, he's done this for decades. I just would love to see them and the students be able to participate."

The award was selected by the U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King Jr.

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