Students “Think Global, Act Local” at Sustainability Summit

More than 130 middle and high school students from across the district gathered at the Lathrop E. Smith Outdoor Environmental Education Center (Smith Center) for the Student Sustainability Summit, a day focused on environmental education, advocacy and action.

The Student Sustainability Summit centered around the theme Think Global, Act Local. “The summit is designed to encourage students to raise awareness and take action here in Montgomery County,” said Alana Applebaum, rising senior at Walt Whitman High School. 

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Applebaum, along with Zoe Conroy, recent graduate of Watkins Mill High School, and Walter Sha, recent graduate of Richard Montgomery High School, organized the event as members of the MCPS Student Climate Action Council (SCAC), with support from the council’s advisory team.

Students connected with local organizations working on environmental issues and heard from guest speakers, including Student Member of the Board Anuva Maloo, MCPS Deputy Chief of Facilities Andrea Swiatocha, and Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, about current sustainability efforts and the importance of student advocacy. 

Students attended workshops, including panels with state and county government officials and leaders in Maryland environmental policy, advocated and worked in the Smith Center’s garden. They also learned about and provided feedback on the SCAC’s potential Climate Change Action Plan for MCPS. 

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The summit concluded with a recognition of graduating SCAC members and a welcome for the students who will serve on the council during the next school year.