In April, students and faculty at Gorham High School (GHS) banded together to increase environmental sustainability at GHS and in the Gorham community by creating a new organization called the Eco-Club. With faculty advisor Rachael Grady, a history teacher at GHS, the club was originated with three members: Chloe Russell, Shannon Lawrence, and Ursula Steiner. The group, however, quickly grew in numbers.
The club has gained nearly 200 student members since spring. There are various committees working within the club: Recycling, Cafeteria Work, Campus Work, Youth Outreach, Online Presence, Grant Writing & Fundraising, Community Outreach, Field Trip Coordinator, Newsletter, SEA Summit, and Volunteering.
Each committee has strong student leaders, all working to fulfill the mission statement to increase awareness about the changing climate and to work to make the school and community more environmentally sustainable. Raising awareness of the climate crisis and promoting eco-friendly habits are two of the major goals of Eco-Club.
One way Eco-Club plans to make GHS greener is to transition the GHS cafeteria from single-use plastic to reusable dining materials and to purchase composting and recycling containers. To this end, junior Sophia Kaufman has led the application effort for a $5,000 grant from EcoMaine.
Another Eco-Club plan is to create a pollinator garden in the currently unused and overgrown GHS courtyard, led by junior Katy Morin, who is leading the Campus Committee’s efforts to improve the grounds. Eco-Club is fortunate to have Master Gardener Sharon Blakeslee oversee this effort.
A third Eco-Club plan to make Gorham greener is to reach out to young people about the need to be more environmentally-conscious. Leaders Zach Beaumont, Haley Lowell, and Jonah Bird, all seniors, helped teach preschoolers about caring for the Earth during story time at Baxter Memorial Library.
Recently, members led an Eco-Club presentation about climate change to Anton Gulovsen’s science class at Gorham Middle School. Education and awareness will build sustainable practices.
Aroma Joe’s Gorham manager, Amber Rocray, reached out as an ally to Eco-Club and donated 50 metal straws to sell and two reusable cups and a reusable cloth bag to raffle. Each time someone fills a reusable cup or mug at Aroma Joe’s in Gorham, Eco-Club receives a small portion of the savings.
The Eco-Club has organized an upcoming bottle drive fundraiser on November 23 and community support is welcome. Members of the club will be knocking on doors to collect bottles and donations for the club. The funds will go toward a school garden at GHS, composting and recycling materials, and events like the SEA Summit.
Follow EcoClub on Instagram @EcoClub_GHS to learn more and be a part of plans to make eco-friendly advancements throughout the town.