Freshman Aubree Amback potting plants. Photo by Mackenzie Arthur / Crimson Messenger
By: J.T. Koch/ Spill Editor
Earth Club is an activity where NPHS students unite under a common goal of environmental understanding and concern.
Students have participated in their recycling drive held during the Class Cup or seen them at elementary schools teaching kids about the environment. They host a plant sale to raise money for environmental causes. They do all of this and more for their community to know more about the world around them.
AP Environmental Science teacher Brittany Bennett leads the club with student president sophomore Kylie Hazelwood and vice president senior Lillian Madden. Together, they make important decisions that fit their shared goal for the club.
“The goal or purpose of our club is to make our world a better place by taking care of the environment and working to educate others about it,” Bennett said.
Hazelwood and many others joined the club as a way to get involved with what they believe in. This is a core reason why Hazelwood joined the club in the first place.
“I have been in the Earth Club for two years now. I originally wanted to join the Earth Club to learn (and) get involved. I’ve always cared about the environment, but I wanted to do more than just think “wow, that’s sad” every time I saw something about climate change that affects the things that live here. I wanted to get involved, learn a few things, and be around people who also think the planet is worth taking care of,” Hazelwood said.
Hazelwood’s position in the club wasn’t always as the president, her connection to the club and ideas for her presidency helped motivate her to run. With her presidency position, she could further make a difference in her community.
“I wanted to become president because I knew I could help organize projects, create events, etc. make it a fun way to educate people why it’s important to take care of our environment and keep it clean, to bring people together and make a small difference within our community,” Hazelwood said.
The club is very involved in their community educating people about the importance of preserving nature. They volunteer their time and host all kinds of events centered around nature and preservation.
“We love to volunteer our time in the community in a variety of ways. In the past we have helped educate the local elementary schools about the environment by teaching students about the earth around them. At our local parks, cleaning up the trails, and pulling invasive species. Every year we hold a recycling challenge for the Class Cup in spring to see which class can recycle the most plastic bottles. On Earth Day we hold a community-wide event at Sugar Creek Township Park here in New Pal to create environmental awareness. We also do a plant sale each year to donate to an environmental cause,” Bennett said.
As the staff sponsor of the club, Bennett sees a lot of the impact that it has on the community. Going to elementary schools and teaching kids about nature is important to Bennett.
“One story that sticks out is when we visited NPE last year to give a program on animal habitats, we brought a live tortoise to show. I will never forget the look of amazement and wonder on the students’ faces. Not only did they learn how to take better care of animal habitats around them, they were able to get a hands-on experience that they will truly remember. It’s moments like that that make me love being part of Earth Club,” Bennett said.
This club is important to Bennett because of her love for teaching and the environment. Making a difference for the better of the environment is ultimately what draws most of the club’s members.
“This club is very important to me as I believe educating others about the environment is the first step in seeing change. I love knowing that what we are doing is making a difference, little by little,” Bennett said.
Students interested in joining the club should email Bennett or Hazelwood. Clubs are a great way to get involved with something and meet new people. “If you are thinking about joining Earth Club, do it. There’s always something to do. Whether you want to volunteer, learn, make friends, or just be part of something meaningful, Earth Club is a great place to start,” Hazelwood.
