Club members hope their work makes a difference at JHS and in the community

by Chloe Newton

Before the recycling bins are rolled down the hallway, or a single piece of trash is picked up, the  Eco Club is already planning its next activity to help keep JHS a cleaner place. 

Every Monday after school, the members gather in a classroom that smells faintly of dry-erase markers and recycling ideas. The meeting begins with updates on who is recycling this week, which community event requires volunteers, and whether the tree planting partnership with the local tree board is ready to commence. 

What most people don’t see is the planning. Students check their schedules, sort donated containers, and brainstorm new projects. Sponsor and Spanish teacher  Jenna Felix moves between groups, answering questions and encouraging the nervous freshmen who are still finding their voices.

“Leadership is about reminders and organization,” Felix stated as a student leader snapped a photo of the new recycling chart for the club’s group chat.

On Mondays, students might spot a few members quietly collecting bottles and paper from classrooms. They joke and laugh while hauling bags, but they’re also very careful, ensuring that all recyclables are sorted and clean.  

Sophomore Rachel Ledbetter said, “It’s simple, but it feels good to know we’re making a difference and helping our school stay cleaner.”

Sophomore Monserratt Gonzalez added that “Eco Club is a place where I can go after school to feel better about myself because no matter the grades, I know I am making the world a stronger place.” 

Sometimes opportunities drop in unexpectedly. For instance, recently a local river sweep needed volunteers, or a new idea for upcycling plastic into benches popped up mid-meeting. The club thrives on these moments, turning small sparks into action. 

Sophomore Vivianna Hill shared that this is one of the things that made her want to be a part of the Eco Club.

“I joined because I wanted to help the environment, but I’ve learned so much more about how even small changes can inspire our whole community.”

Their biggest challenge? Convincing the wider school to reduce single-use plastics and see recycling as a last resort instead of a first. 

By the end of the week, the bins are emptied, plans are made, and the hallways look just a little better. Most students never notice the effort that the Eco Club puts into keeping JHS clean. The behind-the-scenes work is not about the attention, though; it is about creating a cleaner, more sustainable school and inspiring others to care for the planet, one small act at a time. 

CLub members develop their sense of purpose through small, sustainable acts

by Miaa Caporale and Kenshawn Schilling

When most people hear about an eco club, they picture recycling bins and posters about how to save the planet. But there’s so much more going on behind the scenes. The Eco Club is characterized by team work, sharing ideas, and taking steps to improve the school’s environment. 

“It gives me a sense of purpose by joining the Eco Club and helping our community,” sophomore Ellyana Chattin stated.

From clean-up days to starting new recycling projects, members stay busy making a difference on school grounds. 

 “I joined the Eco Club because I wanted to learn more about the environment and help out the community in every way I can,” said sophomore Jordyn Jaggers.

Her motivation reflects the club’s spirit; students come together not just to learn, but also to take action that makes a difference.

“The club encourages students to recycle not just at school, but also at home,” said sophomore Zoey Breeden.

This shows how Eco Club’s influence reaches further than the hallways of JHS, reminding students that even small actions can make a big difference in the world. 

“We are all passionate about the same cause, and it feels good knowing that all of us just want to make a difference,” said sophomore Graciela Sanchez. 

Her words reflect the sense of community the Eco Club has built for students, bringing students together who share the same passion.   

“Small actions matter. Just because we are a high school club doesn’t mean we aren’t making a difference. If everyone does one eco-friendly thing every day, together we can make a huge difference,”  Chattin said.

That belief is what pushes the Eco Club’s mission, reminding students that small steps added together can create a real change at JHS.

“Being in the Eco Club makes me more mindful about my choices, like recycling and saving energy by turning off a light when it’s not being used,” Breeden said.

This mindfulness is what the Eco Club wants to inspire students to do. Even a simple change like flipping a light switch can help save energy. By encouraging these small habits, the club hopes more students will become aware of their impact and choose to live more eco-friendly at home and at school. 

“My message to my classmates would be to become friendly; you don’t have to change your whole life. Small changes really matter, and if every student works together, the difference could be a huge impact on our community,” said Chattin.