On Monday, May 8, students from our Lowell Leaders in Stewardship (LLIS) were honored at the Massachusetts State House for their environmental service work.  Recipients of the Secretary’s Award for Excellence (given by Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton), the Lowell High School freshman were also treated to a tour of the State House by Representative Rady Mom.  Representative Mom surprised the group with an official citation acknowledging their commitment to the environment and their community.

LLIS students receiving citations in the House Chamber

This group of impressive young women first came together in our summer service-learning program for incoming freshman in July 2016.  For four weeks, they worked tirelessly to understand the complex relationship between climate change and our modern food system.  By the end of July, they had created this video to promote the local food served in their high school cafeteria.

The ladies decided to continue their time with Lowell Leaders in Stewardship in the Freshman Academy Compass program in the fall.  After learning about our watershed and having impromptu conversations about nature and mental health, they developed yet another impressive project idea: building a zen garden that will capture rain water outside the Freshman Academy.

Secretary’s Award for Excellence, Second Honors

Nominated by our lead partner at Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm, Jennifer Feller, this award honors the variety and scope of their work.  We’re so proud of our young environmental stewards!