The event took place at the Frank J. Gargiulo Campus of HCST from 3rd-7th periods on the day before Earth Day, and the Environmental Club and advisor Catherine Yuhas, instructor and facilitator at High Tech’s Academy of Environmental Science and Sustainability, ran it.
Students brought in recyclables in exchange for tickets to play environmental games like “Trashketball” and “Family Feud: Climate Change Trivia” or engaged in activities like creating sand necklaces. In the process, they learned about the 12 varieties of soil and even made their own reusable bags out of recycled “Blue Wrap,” donated by Hackensack University Medical Center. Throughout the festival, students earned tickets that they could exchange for prizes, such as reusable water bottles, goldfish, plants, metal straws, candles, and much more.
High Tech’s FFA Chapter (formerly, the Future Farmers of America) ran a booth to talk to students about their progress and goals, and one booth featured surveys for the student to fill out regarding a potential reusable water bottle fundraiser from the club. Guests included members of the Hudson County Improvement Authority, The Hackensack Riverkeeper, the Hudson County Planning Board, and Resilience Paddle Sports, who also hosted booths.
The festival raised awareness for Earth Day and proved successful in getting students interested in the environment, connecting students to internships and job opportunities, bringing the school together, and engendering great fun.
