The EarthGen Medalist program honors individuals or groups who have shown leadership in sustainability, inclusion, and resilience within their school community.
EarthGen Medalists (previously called Green Medalists) are committed to making their school a healthier and greener place to learn. They are recognized for their willingness to value others and make them feel welcome, and for persistence in the face of obstacles and setbacks.
Participation in EarthGen’s programs is not a prerequisite for nomination. EarthGen Medalist nominations and awards take place in the spring.
EarthGen Medalist Highlights
Hannah
As a freshman, Hannah founded the Atlas Action Alliance, a student-led climate justice club. Now a sophomore, Hannah has lobbied the Washington State senate, meeting personally with Senator Joe Nguyen and ClimeTime leaders to discuss ways that climate education could be expanded in Seattle schools. After establishing the Atlas Action Alliance group during remote learning, Hannah has seamlessly transitioned the group from virtual activism (her letter to the editor was published in Seattle Times) to piloting on-campus recycling projects and safely organizing in-person events.
Lacamas Lake Elementary Green Team
The Green Team at Lacamas Lake Elementary School works hard every day to make the school a better and healthier place. They manage classroom recycling and cafeteria food waste and are not afraid to speak up when they see people littering or throwing away recyclables. When the school district canceled its composting contract as a cost-saving measure, the Green Team took action with a letter campaign, and the district listened. Composting was reinstated district-wide, thanks to the Lacamas Lake Green Team.
Student Advisory Council on Climate Change (SAC3)
This group of Spokane high school, middle school (and some elementary) students is committed to improving how climate change is addressed in the K-12 system. In addition to their advisory role with the district, the group spearheaded the district’s Earth Day celebrations. SAC3 verified students’ widespread concern and desire to learn about climate change with a survey of student attitudes towards environmental issues that received an incredible response rate. They also sponsored a digital climate challenge that pitted schools in a friendly competition to assess and curb their climate impact.