Some environmental science students are one step closer to leaving a legacy in our community by being a finalist for a competition through Caring For Our Watersheds.
Environmental science teacher Ms. Corrine Calhoon is proud of her students that advanced to the finals. “All winnings are matched by sponsors and donated to the school, so whatever money our finalists win, anywhere from $300-1000, Greeley West receives the same amount to be used in our environmental classes. It is also a way for our students to leave a legacy behind in their community,” Calhoon stated.
A college class through UNC is what these students are taking called Intro to Environmental Studies and Environmental Earth Sciences. This is how these students start the project for this program while also earning seven college credits through the course. The project entails them coming up with a proposal and solution for an environmental concern they have in their community.
Xavier Blackwell is a junior partnering with two other students on his project called “The Green Closet.” “We started this because we looked at the community and saw this was something we wanted to pursue and help the environment by,” Blackwell stated.
One of his partners, Andrew Aguilar, explained the meaning behind the project. “We saw homeless people around the community and as it’s starting to get cold again we wanted to help and have a pop up closet that people donate clothes to that we can help give out,” Aguilar stated.
Alyssa Ishmael is a junior who is working on a project called “Breath Easy- No Idle Zones.” Going through the process of picking this project was tough, but when Ishmael started driving she started to think about idolizing. “These gases can lead to the air and harm the environment and air,” Ishmael stated.
As she was not only looking at the environment and water systems, she was also looking at how it affects people’s health. “It could mess with our health and lungs, especially in children because they can be more sensitive,” Ishmael said.
Diana Kudu is a junior whose project was called “Bee the Change.” When she was looking into her community and environment overall she saw how people viewed bees in a negative light. “People saw bees as bugs that attack others, but I want to change that because they truly affect and help our environment,” Kudu stated.
As she was looking at ways to spread awareness and information on this subject, Kudu thought about the students around her and also the younger ones as well. “I wanted to tackle this by talking to the students because most parents do learn things from their kids. So I want to teach little kids about bees and the impacts they have so they can help me spread the word,” Kudu explained.
