Miami-Dade School Board chair Perla Tabares Hantman honored student Justine Padron as the winner of Zoo Miami’s and Local 10’s Eco-Hero Contest during a special recognition at the School Board Meeting in early May.
“Justine represents the best that Miami-Dade County Public Schools has to offer,” said Hantman. “Her remarkable achievement is a testament to her passion, devotion and inspiring enthusiasm for the environment.”
Padron, a 7th grade student at Jose Marti MAST 6-12 Academy, was one of five finalists nominated from the tri-county area for doing something extraordinary to help the environment. She participates in her school’s Green Club Garden and the annual community cleanup project of Biscayne Bay known as “Baynanza.”
In addition, Padron makes eco-friendly terrariums for her friends and volunteers at South Florida parks. Padron won an all-expense paid Eco-Adventure trip for this summer to the Canadian Rockies with Zoo Miami’s Ron Magill and Local 10 anchor Kristi Krueger.