South Shuswap Students Shine at Environmental Expo
By Celia Dyer
(L to R): Izzy Loewen, Adrienne Litke, Liza Eliseeva, Lexi Duff and Abby Wilson at the Environmental Expo (photo credit Celia Dyer)
The second annual Environmental Expo, hosted by K̓wsaltktnéws ne Secwepemcúl’ecw School District No. 83, took place at Salmon Arm Secondary School on Thursday, April 30.
Students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 from schools throughout the District participated in the event. With guidance from teachers and mentors, students researched various environmental topics and presented their projects at the Expo.
The South Shuswap was well represented at the Expo.
Lexi Duff, from Blind Bay, presented a project entitled The Lifecycle of a Plastic Bottle. Her passion and in-depth knowledge of where plastic bottles come from and what happens to them are impressive. Anyone visiting her display came away more aware and more determined to be mindful of how they consume plastic.
Adara Twiss presents at the Environmental Expo (photo credit Celia Dyer)
When asked if she ever feels discouraged when she sees the amount of unnecessary plastic being produced, Lexi’s enthusiasm doesn’t wane. “See these plastic six-pack rings? Canada has banned them. Not long ago they were causing all kinds of trouble. I know that action helps and so I will continue to act”.
Adara Twiss, another student from Blind Bay, presented a project on the benefits of home baking. A large tub of delicious homemade cookies certainly was a definite drawing card to her display! Adara’s research highlighted both the environmental and health advantages to making your own food: less waste, lower carbon footprint, fewer additives, less processed and artificial food and more control of what goes into our food. Adara was eager to share her inspiration: “I love to create my own food and be in control of what I eat. And I can pronounce every ingredient that goes into my baking and cooking! I can’t say that about many store-bought, processed foods”.
These two young women are superb ambassadors for their schools, communities and generation. How inspiring to witness such determination and positivity. The kids are definitely alright!
