STICKING IT TO CLIMATE CHANGE: This Grade 7’s eco-friendly project is creating a buzz at MOD

April 18, 2024

Grade 7 student Lochlyn Horn has sparked an important conversation about climate change within her Monsignor O’Donoghue Catholic Elementary School community. 

Inspired by a National Sweater Day assignment from her teacher, Krista Wells-Skinner, Horn designed a slogan and graphic for a hoodie that emphasizes the importance of environmental protection. This initiative quickly evolved beyond its original scope as Horn, with the support of her graphic designer father, transformed her design into eco-friendly stickers.

The stickers, designed to be shared and spread among peers, feature a compelling message about the critical need to engage in discussions about climate change and individual responsibility towards environmental conservation. Distributed to classmates last Friday, these stickers have not only adorned personal items like water bottles and binders but have also served as catalysts for broader conversations among students and their families about the significance of sustainable living practices.

“I feel it is important to spread awareness to kids of all ages about how little changes can make a big difference.  For example, a small sticker can go in so many places and more people can talk about the message behind it,” Horn explained. “When I brought the stickers to school I decided that I would give each of my classmates a sticker for them and then to also give them two more so they could give stickers to other people and spread the word about climate change. So showing people that even a small sticker can make a difference makes me so happy.”

Lochlyn’s project has garnered positive feedback from her peers, with many students expressing admiration for her dedication and creativity. The initiative has also had a ripple effect, encouraging other students to think critically about their impact on the environment and to explore their own avenues for advocacy.

“As an intermediate teacher I am always trying to instill in my students that they are capable of great things, they simply just have to believe in themselves and then go for it,” Wells-Skinner said. “So to see one of my students take the initiative to make a simple idea become reality reminds me why I love teaching so much.”