Student Spotlight: As they prepare to graduate, two seniors look back at their contributions to BVSD’s sustainability work

As they prepare to graduate, two BVSD seniors share their experiences serving on the Green Youth Council and the district Sustainability Advisory Committee, along with their lessons learned, passion for sustainability, and hopes for the future.

Meet Audrey Knight, Centaurus High School Senior

Q: How long have you been part of the Green Youth Council and the District Sustainability Advisory Committee? What motivated you to join these groups?

A: I have been a member of the Sustainability Advisory Committee since 2022 and a member of Green Youth Council since it started in 2024. I was motivated to join the Sustainability Advisory Committee because I was interested in learning more about how to create systems change on a scale greater than just my personal life and this opportunity seemed like the perfect next step. Through this committee I witnessed the creation of the Green Youth Council. I was excited to join and continue working towards systems change, but this time with students like myself.

Q: What is your favorite project you have worked on with the Green Youth Council?

A: My favorite project from Green Youth Council was seeing the first group of seniors receive the Seal of Climate Literacy and continuing to improve the program and application process this year. I think the Seal of Climate Literacy is an amazing opportunity to quantify the amazing work done by students to improve sustainable and environmental practices in their community and school district. 

Q: What are you most proud of?

A: I am most proud of my participation in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program at my school. Despite all the challenges it has thrown at me over the last two years, I have learned so much about myself and the world around me from this experience and I am proud that I did not give up, even when I doubted myself. Additionally, the skills I have learned from this program will hopefully help me accomplish my goals moving forward in life.

Q: What inspired your commitment to sustainability at BVSD?

A: I was inspired to work on sustainability at the school district level because I wanted a way to make sustainability progress in a setting that directly affected not only me but many other people as well. Additionally, I think that BVSD has very unique opportunities for students to get involved with the district's work, making my engagement even more meaningful and impactful.

Q: How can students become more involved in BVSD’s sustainability work and goals?

A: The easiest way to become involved in sustainability in BVSD is through an eco club at school, and if there isn't a club yet, you can always start one. This connects you with people who have similar goals to you, as well as opportunities, including summits and events, that will help you make additional connections with companies in the community which will help you find even more ways to become involved in sustainability. The key is to just participate in one opportunity and then additional connections will fall into place. 

Q: What do you hope all BVSD students will know about sustainability upon graduation?

A: Upon graduation I think it is important that all students understand that sustainability applies to so many more fields than just science and it is something that everyone needs to work on to improve. With this said, I hope that students also have some education on the steps to take in order to implement systems change in all areas of their life moving forward. 

Q: What are your plans after graduation?

A: After graduation I will be attending college at the University of San Francisco and I will be double majoring in Elementary Education and Global Studies.

Q: What is your "green" passion? What other projects do you hope to work on in the future?

A: As I am planning on going into the field of education, I would say my “green passion” is ensuring that the kids have the opportunities to continue improving sustainability wherever they live by understanding the root of the problem and having the skills to then take action and make a change for themselves and others. I deeply believe that the root of all change is in the education of the younger generations.

Meet Isabel Ramirez-Aguilar, Boulder High School Senior

Q: How long have you been part of the Green Youth Council and the District Sustainability Advisory Committee? What motivated you to join these groups?

A: I have been a part of both the Green Youth Council and the District Sustainability Advisory Committee for two years now. My motivation to join these two groups stemmed from past feelings of climate anxiety. The Marshall Fire, and the many other forest fires which have deeply impacted our community throughout the years have opened my eyes to the destruction of climate change. I now worry about the safety of my family and friends in a world where natural disasters are becoming more powerful, more destructive, and more out of control because of the changing climate. Nevertheless, I have found that the most effective way to combat climate anxiety is through action, and these sustainability groups have given me an outlet to do just that. Through these groups, I have the opportunity to use my voice to make change, to listen to and engage with passionate people, and to see the impact our actions are having, all of which gives me immense hope. 

Q: What is your favorite project you have worked on with the Green Youth Council?

A: My favorite project with the Green Youth Council has been implementing the Seal of Climate Literacy. It brings me joy to know that I have contributed to something that will have lasting impact, something that will continue encouraging students to engage in climate action both inside and outside of the classroom for years to come. 

Q: What are you most proud of?

A: I am most proud of my willingness to step out of my comfort zone. As someone who has always been quite shy, it is not uncommon for me to find difficulty speaking up at meetings. As a result, joining these groups was a leap for me, but I am immensely grateful that I took that leap, as these groups have shown me that I can accomplish much more than I ever thought I could. Through these groups, I have given multiple presentations on the Seal of Climate Literacy to crowds of up to 70 people and have even had the opportunity to present and be a panelist at a teacher workshop. 

Q: How can students become more involved in BVSD’s sustainability work and goals?

A: I believe that the best way for students to get involved in sustainability in BVSD is to join their school's environmental club or the BVSD Green Youth Council. These groups give students many opportunities to get involved in various sustainability events and programs, to use their voice, and to become a leader in sustainability. 

Q: What do you hope all BVSD students will know about sustainability upon graduation?

A: I hope that all students know that the road to achieving sustainability is not one they need to travel alone. Having a group or a team to manage some of the workload and bounce ideas off of makes sustainability-related goals feel much more manageable. Having a team can accelerate an initiative. 

Q: What are your plans after graduation?

A: After graduation, I plan to study biology in college with the hope of one day working in a lab environment. While in university, I plan to continue promoting sustainability on campus by engaging in student-run clubs and the campus sustainability office. 

Q: What is your "green" passion? What other projects do you hope to work on in the future?

A: My “green” passion is sustainability within science. As an aspiring scientist, I have gotten a handful of opportunities to work in a lab environment, and have seen first hand the environmental footprint of scientific research. At college, I hope to encourage sustainable lab practices such as lab equipment sharing, closing fume hood sashes, and pipet tip box recycling.