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