From the Desk of the Head of School: RE students lead the way to a sustainable future

Hundreds of student projects, most from sixth graders, filled the Fernandez STEM Center for the event, relaying important climate lessons to the many parents, teachers, fellow students and other guests in attendance. The projects delved into climate-related topics ranging from sea-level rise in Miami to the mitigation of methane gas emissions. Students conducted research across disciplines. They produced posters, papers, ad campaigns and videos. They wrote letters to congressional representatives. They created climate-focused art installations and wrote moving poetry, and some even participated in a dance tribute. At the conclusion of the symposium’s opening assembly, several sixth graders climbed onto a step stool perched behind the podium, leaned into the microphone, and spoke confidently about their projects. 

Inspired by the dedicated faculty who have guided them, our middle school students make articulate appeals about saving our planet. Indeed, our institutional commitment to environmental sustainability is lived out by a creative and collaborative faculty that constantly seeks new ways to engage our students. As terrific as it was, the climate symposium was merely the culminating event of a month of activities during Earth Month directed by RE’s Director of Sustainability Kelly Jackson. Students heard from Ron Magill, Goodwill Ambassador for Zoo Miami, and two nationally recognized photographers who have influenced conservation efforts: Ben Rusnack, who documented the tension between exploring and protecting the natural world as an artist-in-residence for the National Park Service, and Ami Vitale, the founder of the art/storytelling conservation group Vital Impacts. Students carried out recycling drives and reuse efforts as they worked on their projects. Dr. Jackson and our faculty specialize in working across disciplines to replicate the real-world challenges our students will eventually face. 

A day after the symposium, listening to Will Charouhis ’24, a senior heading to college in the fall, I was moved as he helped welcome our incoming middle school students during an orientation at Swenson Hall. One of our many standout students, Will has received national and international recognition for his actions as a youth climate ambassador. “Ransom Everglades’ climate education and commitment to sustainability changed my life,” he told the audience of new members of the Classes of 2031, 2030 and 2029, and their parents. “It set me on a course to become a young advocate and climate activist. With RE’s education and support, I’ve gone on to lead the youngest delegation in the world at the UN world climate conference, and had the opportunity to speak at UN conferences at Madrid, Glasgow, Lisbon, Stockholm and Dubai.”

At that point, Will had to stop speaking. He was interrupted by applause. 

Not all of our students will become youth climate leaders like Will, but all will immerse themselves in today’s most pressing climate issues and work with their peers to solve them. All will be educated, engaged and prepared citizens ready to take action. Our mission and core values are rooted in the words of founder Paul Ransom, who aspired to produce graduates who put more into the world than they take from it. The climate education they receive at RE reinforces that lesson again and again.

Rachel Rodriguez
Head of School