By Madison Parisien
Students in Isabel Campbell’s business class at Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute (VCI) spent part of Earth Month in April making a positive impact right in their own community. Instead of staying in the classroom, students headed outside to clean up garbage around the school property, helping to create a cleaner and more environmentally friendly space for everyone.
Armed with gloves, garbage bags, and a shared sense of responsibility, the class worked together to collect litter from school grounds, nearby green spaces, and parking areas. The initiative not only helped improve the appearance of the school but also raised awareness about the importance of environmental stewardship.
Campbell explained that the activity was meant to connect classroom learning with real-world action. As business students, they often discuss responsibility, ethics, and community involvement values that can extend beyond business and into everyday life. By participating in this cleanup, students were able to put those ideas into practice.
Many students said the experience was eye-opening. Some were surprised by how much garbage had accumulated in areas they walk by every day. Others said it made them think more about their own habits and how small actions, like properly disposing of waste, can make a big difference.
The cleanup was part of a broader effort to recognize Earth Month, a time dedicated to promoting environmental awareness and encouraging people to take action to protect the planet. Initiatives like this show how even small groups can contribute to meaningful change.
Through their efforts, Campbell’s class demonstrated that taking care of the environment starts at the local level and that students have the power to lead by example.
Submitted photos
