After the success of their annual Earth Day celebration on Wednesday, the staff of Meadowview Elementary learned they had something else to be proud of.

The school has been awarded the W. Kelly Mosely Environmental Award for the State of Alabama.

This prestigious award was presented to the school in recognition of its achievements in forestry, wildlife and related resources, according to Meadowview Principal Janis Stewart.

The W. Kelly Mosely Environmental Award program, administered by Auburn University, is meant to publicly honor people and organizations that promote wider use of the state’s national resources.

Stewart said Meadowview won the award because it serves as an exemplary school for environmental education and as a demonstration site for other schools.

“This is a great recognition for the hard work and dedication of our teachers and staff who made environmental education a focus in our school,” Stewart said.

Dr. Kathryn Flynn, Auburn University Associate Professor and Extension Specialist for the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, presented the award to Meadowview staff at their 2005 Earth Day celebration.

Along with the award, the school also received a $500 check, a plaque and a framed limited edition wildlife painting by artist William Baggett.

The award program also recognized Meadowview for hosting Earth Day, which has at least one hundred of the best environmental presenters in the state and is seen by over 1500 students each year.

Other achievements that contributed to the school’s award is its recognition as Alabama’s first Project Learning Tree School by the Alabama Forestry Association, selection as a Wildlife Habitat and Outdoor Classroom by the Alabama Wildlife Association, and their designation as a Best Practices Site by the State Department of Education.