Joanne Burkett, a teacher at Sunrise Elementary School in Redmond will be honored by King County Executive Dow Constantine as an “Earth Hero” in an April 29 ceremony at the Maplewood Greens Golf Course in Renton.

Burkett was instrumental in the school’s achievement of level one in the King County Green Schools Program and in increasing its recycling rate by over 20 percent. She led the Green Team in educating students and staff on proper recycling and on reducing one’s impact on Earth.

Burkett initiated a pilot program in two classrooms to collect milk cartons for recycling and the effort was eventually expanded school-wide.

Other Green Team actions that Burkett oversaw included supplying each classroom at Sunset with paper reuse boxes, obtaining recycling bins and starting a cell phone recycling program. A catalyst for strong science education, Burkett also leads the school’s spring Science Expo.

Sunset Elementary is a Northshore School District building located in Redmond.

This year, King County’s Earth Heroes program recognizes seven teachers, a Brownie troop, a student, three custodians, a parent and eight schools.

“Motivated by a desire to preserve our environment, these local heroes have made contributions with long-lasting benefits that go beyond the schoolroom,” Constantine said.

Many of the winners also participate in the King County Green Schools Program to take specific actions to conserve natural resources and reduce waste.

For more information about the Earth Heroes at School Program, contact Donna Miscolta at donna.miscolta@kingcounty.gov or (206) 296-4477.