The Park High Green Initiative started in 2017 as a small recycling club with just a few members, but over the years, it has grown into something much bigger. One of its most notable accomplishments has been fundraising to install solar panels that now power an entire pod of the school. Their success has inspired students across Montana to take action in their own communities and work toward a more sustainable future.
Since the start of the school year, the Green Initiative has met almost every Wednesday to plan projects, fundraisers, and events that help raise awareness about ways to protect the environment. For example, Junior Jorja McCormick raised over $6,000 by raffling off an E-bike through Dan Bailey’s, with the money going toward electric bus charging stations. These will be put to use once the school board approves the purchase of electric buses.
But the club isn’t just focused on local projects—they’re also getting involved in climate advocacy statewide. In January, several members traveled to Helena for Climate Advocacy Day, where they joined students from across the state to speak with lawmakers about environmental issues. They pushed for cleaner energy, better sustainability policies, and protections for Montana’s natural resources. Park High’s own senior Ripley Cunningham was the MC for this event which involved introducing each of the speakers. The experience gave them a firsthand look at how young people can make a difference by speaking up.
The Green Initiative has also been taking advantage of learning opportunities to grow as leaders. Recently, members attended the Youth Action 101 webinar, which focused on organizing campaigns, working with policymakers, and inspiring more students to get involved in environmental efforts. The webinar highlighted how youth activism can create real change and gave students the tools to turn their ideas into action.
Looking ahead, the club is gearing up for Earth Week (April 18-24) with a variety of activities to get the school and community involved. One of the biggest events will be a trash clean-up in collaboration with the National Honor Society to help keep local parks and trails clean. Throughout the week, students will be encouraged to take on sustainability challenges, like wearing the same outfit for multiple days to promote mindful consumption, biking or walking instead of driving, trying to go a full day without producing any waste, and eating vegetarian or vegan meals to reduce their carbon footprint. To wrap up the week, the club is organizing a tree-planting event where students can help restore green spaces and promote biodiversity.
With all these efforts—whether through fundraising, advocacy, or education—the Park High Green Initiative continues to grow as a movement for change. Their work proves that students have the power to make a real impact, not just at school, but in their community and beyond.