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Championing sustainability: UCPS celebrates new student ambassadors

Union County Public Schools (UCPS) is empowering its students to champion eco-consciousness through the Sustainable Energy Academy, an important initiative in the Parkwood cluster. On Oct. 22, students from Western Union, Prospect and Waxhaw elementary schools were inducted as Sustainable Energy Ambassadors for the first time during a special ceremony at Western Union Elementary.

Western Union Principal Kelly Romanowski expressed her honor in hosting the other schools, highlighting the collaborative effort with fellow principals Dr. Kim Chinnis of Prospect Elementary and Jamie Hunt of Waxhaw Elementary. She looks forward to more joint initiatives among their students, mirroring the frequent collaboration between the academy principals and teachers.

Romanowski is proud to have the program at her school, stating, "It's important to teach students about sustainability and conserving energy within our school, and to teach them those skills for when they go out to the workforce." Students can continue their involvement in the Sustainable Energy Academy as they progress to the middle and high school levels.

The newly named ambassadors will lead exciting initiatives, educate others on the importance of sustainability, and inspire their peers to join the movement toward a greener future. During the induction ceremony, selected students from each school shared their motivations for taking on this role and their understanding of sustainability, highlighting their passion for making a difference. The students who spoke were Kayla Sistare from Prospect Elementary, Adalynn Santa Maria from Waxhaw Elementary, and Ethan Thompson from Western Union Elementary.

The Sustainable Energy Academy is more than just a learning experience; it allows students to explore eco-friendly concepts that will shape their futures and communities. Beginning in elementary school, students gain hands-on exposure to environmental stewardship through outdoor classrooms and various projects that promote sustainable solutions. Engaging in practical activities such as building solar-powered devices and conducting energy audits deepens their understanding of how their choices impact the planet.

After the event, some ambassadors shared their excitement about participating in the academy. Eric Ortiz, a fifth grader from Prospect Elementary, expressed his commitment to creating positive environmental change. Although he aspires to become a soccer player, he also wants to advocate for sustainability and has learned about the importance of wind turbines.

Eric shared his enthusiasm for environmental conservation, saying, "I’ve learned so much about how important it is to protect turtles and their habitats. It feels great to know that by sharing what I learn, I can help make a difference for these animals and the environment."

Emma Jenkins, a fifth grader at Western Union, echoed this sentiment, expressing her passion for helping others learn about the planet. While exploring her career options, she is eager to be an ambassador and share her knowledge with others. Meanwhile, fourth grader LLondyn Lytle at Waxhaw enjoys hands-on projects like creating posters about saving electricity. She dreams of becoming a pediatrician, believing that helping others and the planet go hand in hand.

UCPS is also grateful for the support of key partners such as Crossroads Ford, Union Power Cooperative, South Piedmont Community College, the City of Monroe, and Duke Energy. Their contributions have been instrumental in making the Sustainable Energy Academy a reality, ensuring students have access to the resources and expertise necessary for success in this field.

As these students take on their roles as Sustainable Energy Ambassadors, they are eager to learn about sustainability and make a difference in their schools. With the support of their teachers and principals, they are ready to inspire their classmates and engage in projects that benefit the environment. The Sustainable Energy Academy builds a culture of environmental stewardship within UCPS, preparing these young leaders to contribute positively to their communities.

The inductees are:

Prospect Elementary

Nathan Alimo

Izzy Graves

Melanie Jauregui

Eric Ortiz Juarez

Landon Keziah

Payton Klutz

Lilly Shanks

Zachary Sinagra

Kayla Sistare

Ebba Tutt

John Logan Watson

 

Waxhaw Elementary

Jarell Alonso-Lopez

Josie Black

Camren Castillo

Jonah Cherian

Christian DeGiacomo

Mila Gutierrez

Alana Lora

Llondyn Lytle

Riley Malone

Avery Massey

Adelaide Matlock

Amelia Nowviskie

Brayden Rogers

Adalynn Santa Maria

 

Western Union Elementary

Mason Adumata

AviCohay

Ashley Eudy

Wyatt Haynes

Emma Jenkins

Ava Lovett

Mila Mershon

Carter Metz

Vivianna Ortiz

Emily Pizzaro

Ariail Steffler

Ethan Thompson

McKenzie Wallace

Olivia Ward

Derek Welch

10/24/2024