On April 3, 2008, Rio Vista Elementary School held its 2nd Annual Environmental Awareness and Career Day, sponsored by the National Hispanic Environmental Council. The full day event began with an opening assembly where prominent leaders within the community spoke to the students, staff, parents and invited guests about recycling, energy efficiency and⯠wilderness preservation.⯠Dave Berg, producer of the “Tonight Show” encouraged students to “Continue on their paths to success as scholars, as they have the potential to become the innovative thinkers and environmental leaders of the future.”
Students were then provided an opportunity to visit with more than two dozen exhibitors from various environmental organizations including LA County Public Works, Waste Management, COC’s Students for Sustainability, the Natural Resources Defense Council and the U.S. Forest Service to name a few.
They also visited with mentors and professionals in the environmental and natural resources fields. “I’ve been to many career fairs before, but never to an event as engaging to students as this,” said Maria Gutzeit, Newhall County Water Board, who shared this with students about her experiences as an environmental-chemical engineer.
Students also watched and listened to presentations about fire ecology, birds of prey and geology. Students were led on hikes through the almost completely dry Santa Clara River bed, by leaders from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the Community Hiking Club. They made observations and recorded data using binoculars provided by them.
“The interactive activities have allowed students to actively engage and participate in learning about their environment,” said Linda Valdes, event coordinator. “They have been encouraged to look at their responsibility in caring for the world around them. After our first Environmental Day last Spring, we kicked off a school-wide recycling program through Mac’s Project.⯠The money earned goes to families with children diagnosed with cancer.⯠This year we are working with Planet Green, as well, to recycle ink cartridges and cell phones.⯠The money earned will go to Rio Vista EcoKids, for programs and projects that increase environmental awareness.”
“The success of this event is a tribute to the commitment of academic excellence and community involvement evident here in the SCV,” said Sal Ramirez, Southern California Director of the NHEC. “Sponsoring this event and working with the Rio Vista community has been quite an honor for us.”
Thank you so much for your response to our request to cover this event. It is so important to have the efforts of our students, staff and volunteers celebrated within our community. Your magazine does a great job of that and we are so incredibly grateful for your support!
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call me at 661-312-5220.