Changemaker Shoutout! – Barker Road Middle School Environmental Club
At Barker Road Middle School in Pittsford, New York, a group of young environmentalists is making an impact with their passion for sustainability and their dedication to making a difference. Kingston Marriott (8th grade), Neda Ozcan (7th grade), Alice Mou (6th grade), and Lochhan Guthikonda (7th grade) are key members of the school’s Environmental Club.
Together, these young environmentalists spearheaded a fundraising initiative that raised over $100 for Neighborhood Forest. They held a fundraiser by making paracord bracelets and offering them for a dollar donation. In addition to these student’s fundraising efforts, Barker Road Middle School participated in Neighborhood Forest’s 2024 Free Tree Program – planting over 70 White Cedar trees through the hands of students in their community!
Under the guidance of Gail Ballard, School Counselor and Advisor of the Environmental Club, these students have demonstrated that age is no barrier to making a significant impact.
Let’s hear a little more from these students and their thoughts on environmental stewardship and creating positive change.
Why did you want to do a fundraiser for Neighborhood Forest?
We wanted to fundraise for Neighborhood Forest because we wanted to help the earth by planting more trees. We also wanted to help Neighborhood Forest by encouraging other students in school to plant trees as well.
How did you come up with the idea to create and sell paracord bracelets?
Paracord bracelets were easy for students to make and affordable. Also, kids like to wear cool bracelets.
Why do you believe planting trees / caring for the environment is important?
We think it’s important to care for the environment and plant trees because it protects the environment for future generations and animals. It also makes our environment healthier right now.
How do you think we can encourage more people to care about sustainability?
Our environmental club helps to spread awareness about environmental concerns by making posters for other students to see. We are also role models for others by recycling in school.
Imagine a more sustainable world / future. What would it look like?
We would see more trees, less air pollution and less noise pollution. We would be using less plastic and living more with nature rather than just taking from it.
What makes you most proud of your fundraising efforts?
That we were able to encourage other students to buy and support a great organization.
What message would you like to share with other kids about taking care of the Earth and making a difference?
Be changemakers by role modeling and encouraging others to care for our environment. One person can make a difference
Anything else you would like to share?
The book about how Neighborhood Forest started is really good. (In April, Neighborhood Forest launched our first book, printed on 100% post-consumer recycled paper, “Our Neighborhood Forest”)
Thank You Barker Road Middle School Environmental Club Changemakers!
