"I would like to congratulate this year?s award winners and participants of the Schools in Bloom Program," said Regional Councillor Mario Ferri, Chair of the Communities in Bloom Beautification Committee. "This great initiative promotes team work and community involvement. Thank you to all the volunteers, teachers and staff for their dedication and resourcefulness in support of this environmental program."

Schools in Bloom is part of the Communities in Bloom program which is designed to foster civic pride, encourage environmental responsibility, and beautify communities through participation and friendly competition.

The schools competed in five categories: Community Involvement, Curriculum Integration, School Yard Greening and Tidiness, and Environmental Efforts. Other awards included: Environmental Achievement Award, Outstanding Elementary School, Outstanding Secondary School and Outstanding School Under 200 Category.

"I would like to commend these students for their participation in this program," said Mayor Linda Jackson. "These efforts further Vaughan's vision to lead and promote environmental sustainability and have helped beautify our City?s natural surroundings."

The Schools in Bloom Committee evaluated submissions based on the five categories with assistance from City staff, students and teachers.

The City of Vaughan won the Communities in Bloom international title in 2005. Previously it captured the provincial and national championships. Vaughan schools and their students contributed to these championships through the Schools in Bloom program.

For more information on the Schools in Bloom Awards program, please contact Mirella Tersigni, Community Development Coordinator, Recreation and Culture Department, at 905-832-8500 ext. 7429 or visit www.vaughan.ca under Community Events.

The City of Vaughan would like to congratulate the following schools for their winning achievements in the 2010 Schools in Bloom program:

Ward 1       Elementary School - Michael Cranny PS
                 Secondary School - St. Joan of Arc CHS

Ward 2       Elementary School - St. Clements CES
                 Secondary School - Toronto District Christian HS

Ward 3       Elementary School - St. John Bosco CES
                 Secondary School - St. Jean de Brebeuf CHS

Ward 4       Elementary School - Our Lady of the Rosary CES

Ward 5       Elementary School - Holy Family CES
                 Secondary School - St. Elizabeth CHS
           
Environmental Achievement Award - Toronto Waldorf School and Toronto District Christian HS

Outstanding Elementary School Category - Holy Family CES

Outstanding Secondary School Category - Toronto District Christian HS

Outstanding School Under 200 Category - Royalcrest Academy