20 graduates earn new Seal of Climate Literacy diploma endorsement by demonstrating climate knowledge and commitment to sustainability

En Español

This year’s graduation season is extra special at BVSD because the District had its first class of students who obtained the Seal of Climate Literacy. In April, as a fitting tribute to Earth Month, twenty students representing numerous BVSD high schools presented portfolios that illustrated their “green trailway” during their time in the district and then received their Seal of Climate Literacy certificates, medals (made of sustainably sourced wood) and bamboo cords to wear at graduation. 

The portfolios featured posters, digital presentations, and even an original song to showcase five learning experiences related to a local climate issue and demonstrate a commitment to sustainability over time.

Listen to the original song "Broken Earth" by New Vista High School senior Annabelle Gochis

Students shared their work in a science fair-like forum, where parents, district partners, and school and community leaders could learn about and celebrate their work. The room was abuzz with enthusiasm from presenters and community members alike.

In addition to the learning experiences, to earn the Seal, students must fulfill all of BVSD’s standard graduation requirements, complete a high school science course and another course that incorporates climate literacy. The learning experiences can include additional coursework and certifications, volunteer or internship work, co-curricular or extra curricular activities, and/or leadership related to their local climate problem. 

A number of portfolios reflected personal histories or experiences that inspired interest in climate action—losing a house in the Marshall fire led to one student getting involved in designing a new house to be zero net energy and installing native flora; another student’s family travels sparked an appreciation for the beauty of the natural world and what’s at risk; for another, personal health challenges led to generating awareness for how the environment impacts human health; taking care of the land was part of another student’s indigenous heritage and connected with a developing an understanding of the importance of native species for climate resilience. 

“The Marshall Fire was the biggest impact of climate change on my own personal life,” Monarch senior Poppy Quincy commented. 

In her application, Quincy explained the 2021 conflagration in Superior and Louisville illustrated the urgency for action on the issue. She plans to major in mathematics and use her passion for problem-solving to help combat climate change through research and computer modeling of natural disasters.

Some of the local climate problems and solutions that this year’s graduating class focused on included sustainable farming, effects of climate change on agriculture, youth climate change education, invasive species, impacts of wildfires, the degradation of natural resources critical for nature based solutions, and more.

The portfolios showcased experiences such as working as a Youth Ranger, working at food banks, gardening, political advocacy, participation in school green teams and climate action teams, participating in Trash the Runway (a recycled materials fashion show), attending nature- based and environmental camps, volunteering with Wilderness Restoration Volunteers, additional certifications beyond coursework and other impressive accomplishments. Students linked all five of their activities and coursework to their identified climate issue and how these opportunities expanded their learning and understanding. 

After high school, some graduates plan to stay on their sustainability path with college majors such as Environmental Science and Policy with plans to enact legislation or work as a park ranger. Others, like Fairview senior Wesley Schlacter, plan to use their climate literacy to guide their decisions and work they do in other professions. 

Schlacter hopes to become a professional sports manager or agent, but feels he could use the large-scale appeal of professional sports to enact change and cited the fact that the Philadelphia Eagles stadium has over 11,000 solar panels. Schlacter also noted the power of voting. 

“Voting is the most important thing any of us can do to combat climate change,” he commented. 

The Seal of Climate Literacy, established through Colorado Senate Bill 24-014, is a high school diploma endorsement that connects educational knowledge with the real challenges and opportunities that climate change brings to each of our communities. The State has guidelines that all students must reach, but it is up to each District to create a process for what obtainment looks like. At BVSD the process for obtaining and receiving the Seal was a high bar, and had heavy input from the Green Youth Council. 

“The Climate Literacy Seal is a perfect fit for BVSD students, since it naturally aligns with our greenBVSD efforts. It also leverages Grad+ (BVSD’s career and college readiness framework) and BVSD partner relationships,” BVSD Science Coordinator Erin Greenwood explained. “We are committed to creating opportunities for every student to graduate with climate literacy and college and career readiness.” Hundreds of students have signed the interest form to participate in the program and be future recipients for the Seal of Climate Literacy. 

Congratulations to all of our students who are pioneers for our District and State in earning this new recognition! We are excited to see what your futures hold.

Learn more about the Seal of Climate Literacy at these links: 

• Recent Article in the Daily Camera 
• BVSD graduates can earn new Seal of Climate Literacy
• BVSD Seal of Climate Literacy website