Mattson Middle School Support Center students who have been selected for King County’s Earth Heroes at School program for 2013.

The Earth Heroes at School Program celebrates King County students, teachers, staff, and volunteers who implement projects at their school or beyond to protect our environment.

The Mattson Support Center students were nominated by Assistant Principal Judy Beliveau for the recycling program they implemented in September.

Teacher Joanna Schile started the program as a hands-on project to keep her students, who are developmentally delayed, visible as citizens of Mattson and of our earth.

“The Support Center students, who are often secluded from our other 630 students due to their special needs, are not only helping the environment, but also learning how they can be positive contributors to their school by modeling for other students about the importance of recycling,” said Beliveau.

A ceremony honoring the 2013 earth heroes will be held April 25 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Maplewood Greens in Renton.

To read more about the program and how you can nominate someone next year, visit King County’s website.