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Hawthorne honors student, teachers and Structural Preservation Systems as 2026 environmental awardees
Summary
At the borough council meeting the Hawthorne Environmental Commission presented student and teacher recognitions and named Structural Preservation Systems LLC the 2026 green business; company representatives described a restoration case study at West Point that reduced carbon output compared with demolition.
Environmental Commissioner Raina Leosa presented Hawthorne’s 2026 annual June environmental program to the borough council, announcing changes to the format that this year include recognizing a student, retired teachers and a green business before the council.
Leosa described the long-running school partnership, noting the program ‘‘has been going on since 1988’’ and was expanded in 2010 to include citizens and local businesses. She introduced Lincoln Middle School educator Andrea Napolitano and Hawthorne High School media specialist Teresa Der Manimo as honorees the commission recognized for contributions to school environmental and STEM activities.
The commission also named Structural Preservation Systems LLC Hawthorne’s 2026 green business. Tony Ferrer, the company’s regional administrative manager, accepted the award on behalf of staff and said, “On behalf of everyone at Structural, we are honored to be recognized as a green business in our community.” He credited the company’s local partnerships and community programs for the honor.
Eric Larson, division manager, outlined a case study the company performed on restoration work at Eisenhower Barracks at the United States Military Academy at West Point. Larson said the restoration approach reduced carbon emissions compared with demolition and rebuilding and emphasized use of local contractors and low-VOC materials to limit environmental impact.
The council also recognized a Hawthorne High School student selected for the Washington Youth Summit on the Environment, which will bring high school participants to George Mason University and events hosted by the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.
Next steps: the Environmental Commission said it will issue a press release and is planning a green fair at the farmers market on Sept. 13 to expand outreach and showcase local sustainability efforts.
