King County Executive Ron Sims Honors Explorer West with Earth Heroes Award

On April 19, 2007 King County Executive Ron Sims hosted regional winners of the annual Earth Hero Award at the Maple Valley Country Club. About Explorer West, Mr. Sims said, “The Sustainability Initiative integrates curriculum and experience into a unique school culture of decision and action. In the classroom, science, global studies, English and math courses all connect to the earth as an integrated system. Outdoor education includes ‘leave no trace’ wilderness practices, an annual Sustainability Festival, and green campus components of composting, recycling and native plant gardening.”

Speaking for Explorer West, Ben credited all the teachers for participating enthusiastically in the Sustainability Initiative by integrating their curriculum around the annual theme, contributing to the sustainability festival, and guiding the green campus advisories. Ben acknowledged the pivotal role played by Kristin in founding and continuing to lead Explorer West’s exemplary Outdoor Education program. It turns out that Mr. Sim’s neighbors in southeast Seattle are Ben’s parents. Over his wife’s objections, Mr. Sim’s just installed a worm bin composter in his garden (Explorer West has three!). Ben warned Sims to feed the worms — or suffer the wrath of 80 year old Martha Wheeler, a dedicated environmentalist before the term existed!