Sandy Zimmerman, a student a Highline’s Big Picture School, will be recognized by King County as an Earth Hero. King County Executive Dow Constantine will honor Sandy and other Earth Heroes at the County’s annual “Earth Heroes at School” ceremony on April 26.

For her senior project, Sandy initiated a trash audit, which led to her role in expanding the school’s recycling program, organizing a pep rally to motivate students to properly recycle, and coordinating support from the district, facility staff, and teachers. This project was the culmination of four years of environmental commitment by Sandy.

“I want to shift my school’s thinking on how important reducing our waste output really is,” said Sandy.

Big Picture Principal Jeff Petty describes Sandy as “driven, scholarly, compassionate, curious, open-minded, wise, grounded, exceptional, awe-inspiring, humble.”

“She is the most outstanding student I have worked with during my time at Big Picture since starting the school seven years ago,” says Petty.

Sandy is the only individual student named among the 22 Earth Heroes this year.

The Earth Heroes at School Program celebrates King County students, teachers, staff, and volunteers who implement projects at their school or beyond to protect our environment.