EcoClub was started last year at Gorham High School (GHS) by then sophomore Shannon Lawrence and juniors Ursa Steiner and Chloe Russell. Their goal was to spread awareness about how individual people and the school district could change daily functions to become more environmentally-friendly.
“Gorham can do better and we would like to show people that it does not have to be hard,” said Steiner.
In the past, the EcoClub has picked up trash around Gorham schools and planted sunflowers during study periods. On September 20, they held a Climate Rally as part of the international strike called for by Swedish climate student activist Greta Thunberg, to stand in solidarity for environmental protection.
Photo credit Roger MarchandGHS students participated in a climate rally on September 20 to raise awareness about thinking globally and acting locally.
“EcoClub compromised with a climate rally after school, because education is key to understanding and solving these issues,” said GHS teacher Rachael Grady, who is also the advisor for the club. “We recognize the importance of youth voices and perspectives, especially since older generations have clearly not dealt with environmental problems,” she added.
Students gathered during study halls and auxilium on September 20 to make signs and watch information videos on climate issues and other Climate Strikes occurring around the world. A main theme was the UN Climate Conference and putting pressure on politicians to ensure a sustainable future.
After school, students and teachers met at the gazebo adjacent to Baxter Memorial Library for the rally which involved speeches by several teachers. After a welcome speech from GHS principal Brian Jandreau, several teachers including Darren Panagakos, Amy Smith, and Michael Wojtal, spoke on issues such as composting and fossil free transportation.
Photo credit Roger MarchandAfterwards, the microphone was passed to all 45 participants who shared their sign or their reasons for participating in the rally.
“We lined both sides of the road by the crosswalk and waved our signs at passing cars, earning a lot of smiles, thumbs up and horn honks. We succeeded in thinking globally and acting locally to help people in Gorham to see that GHS students care a lot about the future of the Earth,” said Grady.
Future plans for the EcoClub include creating action plans to make GHS an eco-friendlier environment, including switching from single-use plastic in the cafeteria. The club meets most Fridays to spread the message of environmental change.
“Recycle a little more, walk a little more, vote as if the world depends on it,” said Grady.