Andrew Mechling, middle school science coordinator at St. Thomas School, has received the Patsy Collins Award for excellence in education, environment, and community.

The award honors educators who extend learning beyond the classroom and goes to teachers who inspire students through environmental and/or community stewardship projects and who create learning experiences that make a difference for kids and their community.

In 2009, sixth grade students worked on projects that reduced school waste by 66 percent and earned St. Thomas School certification as a Level 1 Washington Green School. In 2012, a student-driven “Clean Air Campaign” earned the school certification as a Level 2 Washington Green School.
St. Thomas School is a private, non-sectarian school in Medina.