Greenlight Opportunity

SciRe Sophomores to Participate in Greenlight Competition

Finding an alternative to concrete for schools and towns. Replacing plastic chairs in classrooms with ones made from bamboo. These were some of the ideas that students in John Jay’s Science Research program mulled over on October 12 with Bedford 2030’s Executive Director Midge Iorio and Program Director Louise Alverson.

The visitors from the local climate action organization came to speak about Bedford 2030's Greenlight Award, a high school contest to catalyze change. Participating  provides students with an opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in their community and, along the way, develop valuable research, networking and presentation skills.

Bedford 2030 Director Midge Iorio at JJHS

  • Midge Iorio

Gaining Important Skills

“This is a great district,” Iorio said to the students. “It’s done a lot of work on lowering its emissions.” She also gave a shout out to juniors Austin Omin and Luke Pinney; their project reducing district emissions through implementing Meatless Mondays in John Jay High School’s cafeteria took second place at the Greenlight Award last year.

Bedford 2030’s visit was arranged by Science Research teachers Krista Munger and Dr. Lisa Papernik. This year, the SciRe team is requiring all sophomores in the three-year program to pitch an idea for Greenlight—either individually or as part of a team. Tenth grade is when SciRe students work towards finding an outside mentor for their individual Science Research projects. While some students’ topics that may overlap with their Greenlight project, for others, it’s separate. Either way, important skills are gained.

SciRe Teacher Dr. Papernik

  • Dr. Lisa Papernik

Solutions to Local Climate concerns

“In addition to being a tangible, local and solutions-based competition, it also provides a wonderful, authentic opportunity for students to give oral presentations to experts in the community,” said Dr. Papernik.

By the end of class, students were brainstorming about ways to lower emissions caused by transportation. Ideas ranged from EV charging stations on the campus to prime parking spots for those who carpool to school. “I like it!” said Alverson.