Gilda Allen served as an Environmental Program Specialist for the District Department of the Environment (DDOE) where she tirelessly helped District schools establish school garden programs. Gilda retired in 2011, but her passion for youth gardening continues to this day.
Gilda was a pioneer in the school garden movement and laid the groundwork for school gardens in the District. The Gilda Allen Best School Garden Award recognizes students who exhibit the same passion, dedication and forward thinking as Gilda Allen.
OSSE invites students to share why their school garden is the best! Students are encouraged to share any special, fun, or memorable experiences they've had with their school garden. Students are encouraged to get creative with their entries. Options include, but are not limited to, taking a photo, making a video, creating art, performing music, writing a poem or short essay answering the question: “Why is your school garden the best school garden in the District?”
2025 Gilda Allen Awardees:
Mundo Verde Bilingual PCS - Calle Ocho
- Class Papayas, grade 5
- Class Girasoles, grade 4
- Class Amapoles, grade 4
- Class Robles, grade 2
- Class Olmos, grade 2
Noyes Elementary School
Friendship PCS - Blow Pierce Middle
- Takyah White; grade 7
Elsie Whitlow Stokes Community Freedom PCS – Brookland
- Rosie Kuhn; grade 3
- Felix Sawhney; grade 3
Entries will be accepted for the 2026 award in September 2026.
See past entries below:
Questions? Contact [email protected].