Salisbury Academy was named an N.C. Green School of Excellence earlier this year, so the opportunity for the students to visit a LEED-certified “green” building and meet the Environmental Quality secretary was a good opportunity.

Salisbury Academy has developed many environmental initiatives, including a zero-waste recycling policy and a large-scale LED lighting upgrade in which restrooms were equipped with motion sensors to save energy.

The students are involved in school energy audits and helped design an outdoor learning space. They do outdoor science investigations that incorporate the school grounds, including an on-site garden.

The N.C. Green Schools Program is administered by the Center for the Environment at Catawba College.

“It’s inspiring to meet with a group of students who are engaged in using their school and school grounds to study science,” said Regan. “These students are knowledgeable about how their school is connected to natural resources, and they have experienced first-hand how they can make a difference in their school and community.”

Regan asked one student what he did at the Executive Mansion, and the student replied, “We visited your boss.”

The visit culminated with a group photo and Regan signing a few autographs.