Shadow Lake Elementary School is a recipient of the 2014 Green Ribbon School award as announced this week by the U.S. Department of Education.

Shadow Lake is one of 48 public and private schools – including 28 elementary schools — in the United States selected for the award.

The award is given for “exemplary efforts to reduce environmental impact and utility costs, promote better health, and ensure effective environmental education, including civics, STEM and green career pathways.”

This is the third year of the awards and Shadow Lake is the fourth Tahoma school to receive Green Ribbon status in recognition of its sustainability practices. Tahoma Junior High, Tahoma High School and Glacier Park Elementary School also received Green Ribbon awards.