NH is currently trying to regain their green school status after they failed to renew the status a few years ago.

Environmental science teachers Mrs. Laura O’Leary and Mrs. Linn Griffiths and the Environmental II classes are bringing the school together to achieve the status once again.

Initiatives include turning the lights off in the cafeteria, organizing the annual Earth Day celebration, and planting trees with the elementary school students in the spring.

“Our recycling, earth day, america recycles day, and take back the tap are some schoolwide initiatives and there are other projects going on in classrooms like Bay Grasses in Classes and the Governor’s Explore and Restore Your Schoolshed,” said Griffiths.

Junior Drew Hurley and senior Juliane Caughron are taking on leadership within the school and community by helping NH with the green school status. They even spoke at the faculty meeting with the green school committee to encourage change within the school.

“We have a pretty environmental conscious school with the magnet, wildlife, and environmental programs,” said Caughron. “Teachers who know it or not tend to integrate environmental friendly means of teaching.”

The process of regaining the green school status is through an extensive application that is due in either April or May. It is completed by students, teachers, and the green school committee, according to Caughron.

“The application looks at best management practices, curriculum integration, professional development, community partnerships, and awards with the environment,” said Caughron.

Currently, the Environmental classes are working on the base of the application by sending out curriculum guides and reaching out to the community partners such as the magnet program and the Envirothon partners.

“…They have changed the application from the last time we applied and it is more rigorous,” said Griffiths.

Additionally, NH is up for recertification for the green school status, but it is the last time before they do not have to apply again so they can be a model school status, according to Caughron.

“We are trying for recertification because it is an important step in making NHHS green and to continue in a proud tradition,” said Griffiths.

NH has had the status for eight years before 2012 and just did not apply again when he expired.

Principal Mr. Ed Herbold is also taking part in the green school by encouraging the new initiatives.

“We use less energy than any school in the county,” said Herbold.

NH uses geothermal energy to heat the school which means there are 360 wells based under the sports fields while not burning any fossil fuels.

“It’s motivating to see our community start to evolve so other people can see that and do the same,” said senior Haley Sturgill.

Seniors Amanda Gorsuch and Kaitlyn Horsey believe the “lights off” project in the cafeteria has been a success and NH should regain the green school status.

“I like how they turn off the lights because it is relaxing and saving the planet and our school,” said Gorsuch and Horsey.