Students, teachers and school employees will be honored for their environmental stewardship at the King County Earth Heroes at Schools awards ceremony May 3 at Maplewood Greens in Renton.

The program aims to inspire others to create projects that conserve resources, protect the environment, and educate others about how simple, everyday actions can contribute to a healthier planet.

Jonathan Stine, the energy conservation manager at Renton School District and Lead Custodian Mary Ward of Tiffany Park Elementary School were selected as this year’s Earth Heroes, along with others in the county.

According to a press release, Stine was “the first among public school staff to bring tunable lighting into the classroom on a large scale. Tunable lights can be adjusted to lessen distractions or increase alertness among students. The district is installing tunable LED lighting in all special education classrooms and will do so in all new construction.”

Lead started a composting project in the lunchroom at Tiffany Park.

“Her diligence has insured the ongoing success of the program, which has eliminated two to three 50-gallon bags of waste per day,” read the release. “Mary provides training to the Green Team and is herself an active member. Mary’s contributions, which include identifying and addressing issues as they arise, are a significant factor in Tiffany Park’s Sustaining Green School status.”

The ceremony is set for 4:30 p.m., May 3 at Maplewood Greens, 4050 Maple Valley Hwy.

Solid Waste Division Director Pat McLaughlin will be joined by several King County Councilmembers to present the awards. Jourdan Imani Keith, director of Urban Wilderness Project, will be the keynote speaker.