Hawthorne Environmentally Minded Students Present: "Think Globally, Act Locally"

HACKENSACK, NJ - Leaving it green until the fall, the Hawthorne Environmental Commission presented "Think Globally, Act Locally", a take-charge initiative to make a difference on environmental issues with students' help.

On June 10, 2024, the annual school presentation to the Hawthorne Environmental Commission concerning student participation in environmental education activities was held in the Hawthorne High School auditorium. The program provided teachers with an opportunity to showcase any activities they have done with their students relating to preservation of the environment. In addition, local Hawthorne businesses and residents received special recognition for their environmental leadership and commitment to protecting and preserving the community.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE TAPINTO.NET NEWSLETTER

A PowerPoint presentation was presented by the Environmental Commission celebrating the 32nd Cel-Earth-Bration event held on April 13, 2024. Students representing Jefferson school and Hawthorne High School discussed their environmental projects.

Maggie Giacchetti, 3rdgrader from Jefferson School, presented her 1st Prize Winning project at the 32nd Cel-Earth- Bration for “Explore Hawthorne Places.”

Hawthorne High School STEM students Ryan Corella, Joshua Duran, Nathan Gaehring, Jacob Hernandez, and Medrit Veliu presented their project, “DownSpout Dynamo.” The students sought to test the viability of a sustainable energy source in a hydroelectric converter placed inside the rain downspout that would transfer water-powered energy to a storage battery. The students were evaluated on their integration of science, technology, engineering, art, and math.  The team was coached by math teacher Michele Phibbs and Library Media Specialist, Theresa DiGeronimo. They were mentored by volunteers from New Era Engineering, Rayna Laiosa from the Hawthorne Environmental Commission, and STEAM Tank, subject matter experts. The students earned second place in the state-wide NJ School Board Association’s STEAM Tank Challenge, earning their school $1,500.

Students, Saja Alhoms, Blake Preiskines, Natali Saleh, Rowyn Simmermon, and Emma Damstra, presented an “Upcycle Fashion Dress” created with old SAT practice booklets, a discarded book, leftover promotional flyers, and an old mannequin. The Upcycled Fashion was displayed in the HHS Library Media Center by The Library Crew which is led by Theresa DiGeronimo, Library Media Specialist.

DOWNLOAD THE FREE TAPINTO APP FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS. AVAILABLE IN THE APPLE STORE AND THE GOOGLE PLAY STORE .

Lastly, Brianna Counsellor, David Salazar, Logan Sakir, and Benedetto Russo were recognized for their first-place prize and scholarship for the Species, Black Skimmer, on the Edge 2.0 High School learning challenge! A special shoutout goes to their teacher mentor, Mr. Crimmel, for his invaluable assistance and support throughout their journey.
Congratulations to our talented students and Mr. Crimmel!

John Minicozzi, The Wood Miller, was recognized for generously donating wood for the Gateway to the Passaic River Sign, 8 Acre Woods Entrance Signs, and the Hawthorne Community Garden Sign. Paul Whalen, Wood Builder, was recognized for building and installing the Gateway to the Passaic River Sign, 8 Acre Woods Entrance Signs, and the Hawthorne Community Garden sign.

Rita Pinelli, Hawthorne Green Team member, was recognized for the improvements of the development and implementation of the Hawthorne Environmental Commission Kids to Kids Newsletter that is distributed to Hawthorne’s elementary schools, the Louis Bay 2nd Library & Community Center, and the local newspapers and social media, Facebook.

The 2024 Green Businesses of Hawthorne was awarded to Colour & Whim Studio owned by Casi Rodrigez and Jesse Fritzsch. Colour & Whim Studio utilizes low VOC paint, teaches students how to make crafts out of recycled materials, and recycles paper, cans, and plastics. In addition, Colour & Whim Studio has been working with the Environmental
Commission at the Cel-Earth-Bration events to promote their art studio by teaching children to make crafts from recycled materials.

For more local news, visit TAPinto.net