What Was It All About?
More than 120 Grade 11 students from four high schools in Vernon, BC created climate-action projects to support the City’s 2021 Climate Action Plan and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. More than 30 projects were displayed and judged at the Vernon Youth Climate Action Summit May 31st, 2022.
Attendees also heard inspirational stories from youth activist speakers Lilah Williamson (co-founder of Sustainabiliteens), Brady Roger (co-founder of The Rogerie) and social worker Jocelyn Lynett (co-founder of Kelowna Climate Café) about climate activism, climate justice, climate anxiety, and eco-entrepreneurship.
FOF is pleased and proud to have coached students about community sustainability, community engagement, project planning, and event design and delivery.
FOF thanks School District 22, Community Foundation of North Okanagan, City of Vernon, Associated Environmental Consultants Inc., Roost Solar, Vernon & District Immigrant & Community Services Society, Swan Lake Market & Garden, Hawthorn Farm Studio, and Save-On Foods for their funding and in-kind support.
Here’s what community leaders said about the summit:
Dr. Christine Perkins, SD22 Superintendent
“I encourage all those who missed this year to jump on board, especially sponsors, if you missed year one. The students came up with 32 projects in support of the Climate Action Plan and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. We need to keep empowering our youth. They have great ideas.”
Brian Quiring, Vernon City Councillor
“We are so impressed by the vision, commitment, and enormous community support that made this unique learning opportunity possible. We feel tremendous pride in the outstanding efforts of all the participating students, and the wide range of practical solutions that meet the goals of Vernon’s Climate Action Plan.”
Sid Kwakkel, Judge & Sponsor
“We were all so pleased to be part of the event, and that the students’ projects were of such quality that the judges had difficulty selecting a winner. The projects showcased the students’ knowledge and creativity, and highlighted their ability to take the problem of Climate Change and break it down into small practical solutions.”
Winning Projects
Nine judges from the public, private, and non-profit sectors selected the following winning projects based on a variety of social, environmental, and economic factors:
First Place: HYDROPONICS - Charleigh Phillips, Denae Kitzul, Olivia Sunderland, Sara Johnstone - Vernon Secondary School
Second Place: MASON BEES - Nia Hill, Annan Rolshoven - Fulton Secondary School
Third Place: VERTICAL GARDENS FOR SENIORS - Emily Mann, Brooklyn Wright, Makennna Doyle - Fulton Secondary School
Honourable Mentions:
VERTICAL HERBICAL - Kieran Nanda, Keenan Westoby, Kaley Zaharoff, Daya Ortiz, Eerol Radbourne - Fulton Secondary School
TREES TODAY FOR TOMORROW - Madeleine Yawney, Anaid Bonnefoy, Tyra Green - Seaton Secondary School
CARBON SEQUESTRATION - Marco Arellano-Rojas, Jonas Betke, Caiden Cole - Vernon Secondary School
Students Choice Award: THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT - Polina Ignatyeva, Natalie Fux, and Ava Marginson - Seaton Secondary School
Event Photos
