Students and staff at Edgewater Elementary received a big surprise on June 22.

The school was awarded a $1,000 cheque and plaque for winning the regional Green Schools, Green Futures award.

“It was an absolute surprise,” said Edgewater principal Sharlene Scofield.

The Green Schools, Green Futures award is presented by FedEx Express Canada and Tree Canada. Four regional winners and one national winner were selected out of more than 400 Canadian schools.

Winning schools are picked for displaying support within the school community, for creating and maintaining environmental programs, partnerships with community groups, and emphasis on outdoor education.

Since 2007, FedEx and Tree Canada have worked together to revitalize communities across Canada through school greening and reforestation projects.

Before the cheque and plaque were presented, the school watched a slideshow of Edgewater’s various green activities and events.

Some of these were the community clean-ups for Pitch-In, greenhouse work, recyclable projects and nature hikes.

“I am very proud to be here today to help present the British Columbia regional award to the students and staff at Edgewater Elementary,” said Ken Ralph, senior operations manager with FedEx, while presenting at the school.

“Your commitment to your school and community is an inspiration to all Canadians.”

“The work done here, and the cleaning up — it’s really amazing,” said Christian Walli, community advisor of British Columbia for Tree Canada.

“Frankly it’s so common sense too. And the teachers and staff here are very busy, but are still taking time to participate with the students and guide them on these activities.”

“Kids are already coming at me with ideas for what to do with the prize money,” said Scofield, who had nothing but praise for the hard work the students and staff had put in over the years.

“We’re a team, we’re not run top-down. We’re a collective mind. This money is going to go a long way for a little school.”