Marissa Bramlett, a senior at New Vista High School in Boulder, Colorado, created a day-long workshop for students in the Boulder Valley School District along with her fellow members of New Vista’s action team – The Earth Task Force.  Here’s what she had to say about the event:

The Earth Task Force held their S.U.P.E.R. Summit (Students Understanding Personal Environmental Responsibility) on November 11th at Casey Middle School. The Summit attracted over 70 individuals who are committed to creating environmental change within in their high schools and larger community.

Throughout the day the students discussed what they’ve achieved, what has been successful for them, what they’d like to change, and how they would like to go about creating that change. These discussions were held in an open space format and led by the students themselves, which contributed to making the event a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

Through these conversations students and their mentors made invaluable connections with other schools and members of the community, that will surly benefit each environmental club in their future endeavors.

The students were also provided with endless community support – 13 community partners volunteered their time and extended their resources to help these students with their future and current action projects.

In addition to the eight high schools and 13 community partners in attendance, the Earth Task Force was also honored to have Boulder County Commissioner; Will Toor, BVSD’s Assistant Superintendent; Joe Sleeper, and the Vice President of the Board of Education; Ken Roberge make appearances at the summit.

Other highlights included the ever-so inspiring ACE presentation by Amy Atkins and a delicious lunch donated by Chipotle and Sunflower Market.

Although, it’s yet to be seen what extraordinary events these high schoolers have in store for their schools, we expect nothing but brilliance from this group of impressively passionate students. This summit goes to show that when you come together as a community there is no limit as to what can be achieved.

The Summit was sponsored by New Vista High School’s Earth Task Force, The Alliance for Climate Education, The Cottonwood Institute, and the BVSD Office of Sustainability. None of this could have been done without the limitless help and planning of the wonderful Ghita Carol, or the support of the sponsors and community partners.

The Earth Task Force also plans to hold a follow up summit in the spring to give these students to opportunity to debrief the year and brainstorm other ideas for the future.