2026 Green Step Superlative Awards GSS Conserve School of the Year: Pleasant Hill Elementary School Pleasant Hill Elementary earned top honors for its long-standing commitment to waste reduction and recycling. Students recycle everything from cafeteria trays and batteries to plastic bags while transforming recycled materials into "plarn" sleeping mats for individuals experiencing homelessness. Led by teacher Maura Farley, the school's efforts have also resulted in 11 recycled plastic benches through the NexTrex Challenge, teaching students that conservation begins with everyday actions. GSS Restore School of the Year: St. Matthews K-8 School Students at St. Matthews K-8 School were honored for habitat restoration, composting, pollinator conservation, and edible gardening projects that teach environmental stewardship alongside valuable life skills. Mary Dixon of the Calhoun Soil and Water Conservation District serves as the school's Green Step Schools mentor. GSS Protect School of the Year: Aiken Elementary School Led by Dr. Angela Clifford and a dedicated team of educators, Aiken Elementary was recognized for hands-on environmental learning that includes rain barrel gardens, student-created environmentally friendly cleaners, and campus litter prevention projects. This marks the school's fourth Green Step Schools superlative award, placing it among an elite group of schools recognized for sustained excellence in environmental education. GSS Mentor of the Year: Kassidy Roof Kassidy Roof was honored for her leadership supporting Green Step Schools throughout Lexington County. A former agriculture teacher and FFA sponsor, Roof now serves as county coordinator for 15 schools, recruiting and mentoring educators, supporting school projects, and organizing an annual Green Step Schools Recognition Ceremony before Lexington County Council. GSS School of the Year: Brockman Elementary School Brockman Elementary received the program's highest school honor for consistently implementing innovative environmental education projects, including Adopt-A-Stream monitoring, storm drain painting, hydroponics, weather monitoring, and student-led stewardship initiatives that engage the entire school community. Dr. Sarah Burnham regularly pilots new Green Step Schools projects with her Upper Elementary Montessori students.
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