Environmental awareness has become increasingly prevalent at Middleton High School (MHS) and in the Middleton community, along with the realization that actionable steps can be taken to contribute positively to the environment. This is characterized by student and district initiatives to promote more eco-friendly practices. MHS’s Amnesty International club recently organized a petition for funding eco-friendly additions to our school, which was presented at the school district Board of Education meeting last December.
The petition, signed by over 158 students, requested that the school district allocate excess funds towards climate change action and environmentally-friendly facilities. Michelle Lee, a sophomore and one of Amnesty’s vice-presidents, explained that $6 million arbitrage (money made off interest) from the funds of a 2018 referendum was planned to be used to renovate the school’s sports facilities. Lee noted that these facilities are in good condition, and don’t necessarily require renovation. Instead, the funds could be used to meet climate goals the district set in the past.
Fenn Wickre, a senior on Amnesty’s leadership, says that the Board of Education’s resolution to achieve 100% green energy by 2035 was passed two years ago, but little has been done to achieve it.
“We can at least get the ball rolling to reach that goal.” Wickre said.
The concept of providing public comment in the form of a petition to the Board of Education was introduced by Carol Phelps, a climate activist in the Middleton area, who reached out to various clubs at MHS and brought the issue to attention. Phelps requested student support and input regarding the district’s actions and their impact on the environment. Shivani Potnuru, a senior and another of Amnesty’s vice-presidents, explained that the club was eager to work with Phelps in her advocacy efforts.
“We know that it’s really hard to achieve climate goals unless local initiatives mobilize,” Lee said.
Nihal Mahalingham, a senior and one of Amnesty’s vice presidents, feels similarly about the club and student body’s responsibility in caring for the environment.
“We need to take care of what we have right now. It’s a small change for a bigger cause,” he said.
Similar sentiments were felt by other students in the club, as well as those who signed the petition.
A group of students from Amnesty, as well as MHS’ Green Team club, attended the Board of Education’s meeting on Dec. 4. Students gave speeches regarding climate initiatives and presented their petition during the public comment period.
Todd Berry, a Board of Education representative, said that the impact of public opinion and student comments has made the board reconsider the planned renovations. He explains that in February, a meeting will be held to vote on whether to use artificial turf or natural turf— a more sustainable alternative— in school projects. While board members seemed to be set on artificial turf at previous meetings, Berry observed that following the petition, more of the members are now beginning to consider natural turf.
“I think there is some possibility that we will go with natural grass, and that would be in part a reflection of what the students and public have said,” he said.
Through their willingness to speak up about important issues, Amnesty, Green Team, and the students who signed the petition have been able to make a tangible impact on how the district and school will operate into the future. Potnuru concludes that students shouldn’t feel scared to raise awareness about issues important to them, and speak up when change seems necessary.
