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?”
Entries will be accepted for the 2026 award from Oct. 5 to Nov. 24, 2026.
Entries will be scored using the following criteria:
Student Passion and Personal Connection
How strongly the entry demonstrates enthusiasm for the school garden, including memorable, special, or meaningful experiences.Clarity in Explaining Why the Garden is the Best
How clearly the entry communicates specific features, practices, or community aspects that make the school garden stand out.Reflection of Gilda Allen’s Values
Evidence of dedication, forward thinking, environmental awareness, or leadership—qualities highlighted in Gilda Allen’s legacy.
All students that submit entries will receive:
- Recognition on the OSSE Gilda Allen Best School Garden webpage.
- A certificate to display proudly.
There will be one winning entry from each category listed below:
- Pre-K and K
- Grades 1 to 3
- Grades 4 to 5
- Grades 6 to 8
- Grades 9 to 12
The school that is associated with each winning entry will receive a golden shovel to show off in that school’s garden.
Check out the 2025 Winning Entries:
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].