Submission are accepted from Sept. 15-Oct. 15, 2025.
Submit entries here.
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.
The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) wants students to share why their school garden is the best! We welcome you to share any special, fun, or memorable experiences you've had with your 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?”
All students who submit entries will receive:
- Recognition on the Best School Garden webpage.
- A certificate to display proudly.
There will be one winning entry from each category listed below. The school that is associated with each winning entry will receive a golden shovel to show off in that school’s garden.
Categories:
- PreK-K
- Grades 13
- Grades 45
- Grades 68
- Grades 912
One entry per student.
See past entries below:
Questions? Contact [email protected].