HomeMy Public PortalAboutTOL PR 2018-01-30 Tolbert Award presentation
Town of Leesburg
News Release
For Immediate Release
January 30, 2018
Media Contact:
Betsy Arnett, Public Information Officer
barnett@leesburgva.gov 703-771-2734
Leesburg Town Council Presents 2017 Tolbert Environmental
Achievement Award to Hasina Siddiq
Leesburg, VA (January 30, 2018) –
At the Leesburg Town Council
meeting on Tuesday, January 9, the
council and members of the town’s
Environmental Advisory
Commission (EAC) presented
Hasina Siddiq with the 2017 Tolbert
Environmental Achievement
Award.
Ms. Siddiq was selected for her
dedication to teaching
environmental values. Siddiq is the
managing director of the Sugarland
Learning Academy, located at
42981 Edwards Ferry Road. The
academy’s “LEAN TO GREEN”
academic program teaches pre-school students to care for the earth in their everyday actions.
Not only is the program environmentally friendly, but the Sugarland Learning Academy building
is as well. The building features geothermal heating and solar electricity. The children learn
about these technologies as part of the curriculum.
“Our curriculum teaches children the importance of alternative sources of energy; how harmful
emissions can contribute to global warming; how geothermal energy is virtually free of carbon
dioxide and other emissions; how by gardening we can go green and benefit the earth; and how
composting returns valuable nutrients to the soil to help maintain soil quality and fertility.” Ms.
Siddiq explained upon receipt of the award.
Left to right: Council Member Vanessa Maddox, Vice Mayor
Suzanne Fox, EAC member Helik Shemer, Hasina Siddiq, and
Mayor Kelly Burk
“We also teach our students that waste has a huge negative impact on our environment thus
everyday recycling is very important,” she continued. “ In a society so disconnected with
nature, Sugarland Learning Academy strives to change this trend by teaching students in a more
eco-friendly yet fun way. We look forward to serving the Leesburg community and hopefully we
can be an example for others to follow.”
According to EAC member Helik Shemer, “The Tolbert award is designed to encourage activities
that benefit the Town’s environment. Such activities are vital to sustaining the quality and
health of our community, and significantly contribute to the long -term well-being of our town
for generations to come. Sugarland Learning Academy is educating a new generation on the
importance of sustainable living: Doing so by practicing as well as teaching is just what is
needed to guarantee success of this worthy endeavor."
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