West Nottingham Academy Sustainability Students Head to Annapolis to Support a Healthy Environment for Maryland

Colora, ND – On February 23, 2020, students from West Nottingham Academy’s Environmental Science and Policy class, Student Environmental Council, and Diversity Team headed to Annapolis for meetings with delegates and senators to advocate for Maryland House Bill 517, a proposed constitutional amendment that would enshrine in Maryland’s constitution the right live in a healthy, healthful environment. Students had the opportunity to voice their concerns about their futures and express their support for the amendment, which makes clear that clean air and water and a stable climate are a fundamental right for all Marylanders.

Maryland joins New Jersey, Delaware, West Virginia, and New York, states that are pursuing similar amendments, and Illinois, Pennsylvania, Montana, Massachusetts and Hawaii, states that already have them.

“West Nottingham has students from Maryland and other states and from countries all over the world,” explained Interim Head of School and Director Sustainability Programs and Curriculum, Virginia Kennedy. “What really gave me chills was the students’ enthusiasm for the realization that they could speak for themselves to policymakers and advocate directly for what they feel strongly about. Not only our students from Maryland, but our students from all over the country and the world got a great lesson in practicing democracy.”

“Being able advocate for the Healthy Green Amendment was an experience unlike anything I’ve done before,” affirmed Sarah Lockett. ‘21 of Jacksonville, FL. “I got the opportunity to meet legislators and engage with them on something that I felt passionate about, I realized the importance of participating in enacting policies that will directly affect everyone my age and our future; if we are willing to speak, a lot of people are willing to listen.”

Jaylah Bryant ’21 of Upper Marlboro, MD, expressed her enthusiasm for the environmental justice focus of the amendment. “As a Marylander, the day in Annapolis meant I was able to give a voice to communities and groups of lesser means who will be affected by climate change first and worse. It is important for people to understand this amendment means we are working to bridge gaps between socioeconomic statuses and promote environmental justice throughout Maryland and all through America, too.”

West Nottingham’s students partnered with students from Friends School of Baltimore. The students took the lead setting up appointments with legislators, organizing groups to visit the legislators’ offices, and testifying before the Environment and Transportation Committee in the House of Delegates.

Polish student, Maciej Walczuk, ‘20, expressed enthusiasm for partnership work: “I really like that our Student Environmental Council partners with our community and other schools to take action on our environment; we collaborate to take our futures into our own hands and act. We are also working with Rising Sun High School students who have just begun a food waste diversion program modelled on West Nottingham’s, and we hope to support them, too, as they build an environmental program for their school.” Through its partnership with Kilby Farm and Creamery, West Nottingham has been diverting its food waste to the Kilby digester for three years keeping tons of waste from landfills, reducing greenhouse gas pollution, and saving thousands of dollars on trash removal costs. In exchange for using the digester, West Nottingham purchases Kilby milk and ice cream, which helps to reduce plastic waste since Kilby milk is bottled in reusable glass, puts healthy locally produced food in the dining hall, and supports the local agricultural economy of Cecil County.

“This was my second time testifying for the House of Delegates,” explained Ethan McNary. ‘20 of Baltimore, MD. “Last year I testified for two bills written by Delegate Cassilly that supported properly diverting food waste. I felt proud then, and I felt proud this time speaking to my representatives about a healthy and clean environment for all Marylanders. Speaking directly to our elected officials has been a powerful experience for me. I know I have a voice in this democracy, and I know I am willing to use it to support the bold actions we need to save all our futures.”

West Nottingham’s sustainability program encourages students to learn the ethic of reciprocity, sustaining the earth that sustains all our lives. The program encourages the students to “walk their talk” on campus and in their home communities and to take proactive and productive actions for positive change in the world.

“Being able to take part in the democratic process and see it at work was a truly incredible experience for me,” stated Favor Enoghama. ‘22, of Vauxhall, NJ. “Seeing all these young people from different schools support a healthy environment and voice their opinions on the amendment made me realize this is our future and we can demand change from those in positions of power. Before living in New Jersey, I grew up in Nigeria where people only value money. It was a great experience seeing the democratic process truly at work in Maryland.”

West Nottingham Academy is a diverse, student-centered day and boarding school for students in 9th through 12th grade and post-graduate. Since its founding in 1744, West Nottingham has prepared students for the challenges of college and life through a curriculum grounded in the liberal arts and sciences, and a commitment to the intellectual, spiritual, and social growth of each student.

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