The American Climate Leadership Awards were created to recognize, reward, and spotlight an individual’s leadership in response to climate change. The award is given to those who care not just for themselves and their community, but for the worldwide issue affecting the planet and environment. It is a prestigious award, with many processes and steps leading to its attainment; earning it is considered an immense achievement. Four PDS students, juniors Michelle Xu and Sophia Zhou, joined by sophomores Zarah Cardona and Arden Reilly. As finalists and winners of this reward, their group won a total of $40,000. This money is used for the organization to give them more access and accessibility to finish their goal. Xu, Zhou, Cardona, and Reilu plan to host their first in-person delegate conference. Their goal with this is to replicate the way the annual UN Climate Conference operates. “Nothing beats civil discourse”, Xu remarks.
Xu shared that since she was a freshman, she was drawn toward environmental issues and making a difference. She described the award as “recognizing high schooler students who are making strides to prevent climate change.” All the winners, including Xu, felt a new sense of pride when receiving the reward—not only for what they as individuals accomplished, but for the community at PDS. Xu’s curiosity in environmental issues began when she joined the Environmental Action (EnAct) Club in her freshman year and felt a sense of community. Coming from her previous school, she noticed a significant shift in how people cared about the environment. Xu shared that she “liked how the club educated everyone on sustainability and issues such as climate change.” She added that “there is a push for civil discourse and discussion. Issues such as climate change require not only action but also collaboration.” Xu emphasized the importance of coming together, and talking about ways to help the community. When people come together and brainstorm ideas on how to help solve the issues jointly, it will make a much greater impact than when doing it on your own.
This award gave the winners a new sense of enthusiasm and purpose. The accomplishment not only earned esteem for these students but for the school that fosters and educates these minds to work hard and to pioneer ideas for protecting our planet.
