WAYNESBORO, PA - A local elementary school has won a prestigious award from one of the most recognized non-profits in the country.

Hooverville Elementary in Waynesboro is being honored by the National Audubon Society.  Students and teachers recently participated in "Pennies for the Planet," a national fundraising competition.

They raised a total of $1,915, which was good enough to earn them first place in the nation.  All the money will be used to benefit the environment.

On Tuesday, members of the TogetherGreen Initiative are hosting a bio-diversity bash at Hooverville.

Students are using interactive activities such as building bird houses, a live bird demonstration, and a scavenger hunt to learn even more about environmental issues.

The "Pennies for the Planet" donations will be used to support three conservation projects that protect puffins, the sagebrush habitat, and ancient swamp forests.

The event at Hooverville continues until school lets out.