King County Executive Ron Sims will honor students, teachers, school staff and volunteers at the 2006 Earth Heroes at Schools awards ceremony tomorrw, May 4.

"We recognize Earth Heroes at Schools for their invaluable contributions to protecting and preserving King County's natural environment, and their education of young people about the importance of becoming committed earth stewards," said Sims in a news release. "Together we are integrating environmental understanding and protection into the education process."

The Earth Heroes at School Awards honors individual in schools as well as innovative school-based programs that are working hard to maintain the rich integrity of the region and high quality of life. The exceptional people and outstanding projects in King County schools that are making a difference can be models for similar projects in other schools, classrooms and communities.

Awards will be presented to the following from West Seattle and North Highline:

Teacher Kevin Barth, West Seattle High School, was instrumental in establishing the Environmental Science Academy at West Seattle High in the fall of 2002. The academy is an ongoing, learning community that focuses on environmental awareness by exploring western habitats and reconstructing native areas in the Seattle area. Barth, as lead teacher is responsible for coordination of the curriculum, off-campus explorations, fundraising and project organization.

Sara Esrick and the Beginning Level ELL Science Students, Evergreen High School. Esrick and her 24 English Language Learner science students established a school recycling program, conducted outreach and promotion, and modeled a commitment to recycling for the 1,100 students at Evergreen High. Esrick began with an environmental unit with her students who then participated in the entire process of planning, implementing and promoting successful paper, can and plastic bottle recycling.