'One Earth, One People' is the message on a recycling bin outside Fayette Academy. Students there have been busy educating teachers and members of the community on how to save energy.

"The resources we have here on Earth are not unlimited and it is our time to try and save what we have," said Ecology Club member Orry McDonald.

Fayette Academy was recently voted the best in the country when it comes to energy conservation awareness.  Students took it upon themselves to begin a school-wide recycling program and install new energy efficient light bulbs in the school gym.

"Instead of the energy being emitted as heat, it actually goes towards producing the light, so it saves energy," said Ecology Club member Savannah Pierski.

School officials say it cost about $6,000 to replace the lights here in the gym, however that investment will save the school some $36,000 over a six year period.

Club members have even taken their going green approach into the community by helping educate residents and pass out energy efficient light bulbs. 

Hope House is one of the places where students put energy efficient lighting.

"They're actually brighter so we're really pleased - it was kinda a  gloomy environment until we put these lights in," said Hope House's Alexandra Wardlaw.

Wardlaw said the students' efforts are worth the national recognition.

"To know that young people are doing wonderful things to take care of our planet - its inspiring," Wardlaw said.

The students leave Friday headed to Washington DC where they'll be honored at a special ceremony at the Department of the Interior.  They return home on Monday.