Now in its 12th year, Climate Action Day at the Academy raises awareness of climate change, teaches students about their small place on a vast planet and reminds us to reflect on environmentalism as an integral part of human existence.
This spring, students shared unique experiences with their class-year cohort. Preps got a behind-the-scenes tour of the dining hall kitchen, surveyed the solar array atop Thompson Field House and walked through the vast network of trails in the Academy woodlands.
Lowers visited a variety of local farms — including an organic dairy, a permaculture farm and a fruit farm — for an in-depth look at sustainable operations and to do some chores, including planting, tilling, weeding or cleaning.
The Class of 1964 Sustainability Prize
Created and endowed by members of the class of 1964, this award is given annually to three to four students who have made outstanding contributions toward achieving the goals set forth in the Academy’s Sustainability and Climate Action Plan, or who have otherwise promoted the principles of sustainability and environmental stewardship at the Academy. Marley McMahon ’26, Maya Piluski ’26 and Isabela Silvestre ’26 received the honor at the Prize Assembly in June.
Uppers learned about marine ecosystems. Some set out to salt marshes at Odiorne State Park and on Great Bay; others cleaned local beaches and planted dune grass or were introduced to oyster farming on a tidal river.
Seniors took to the trails, many of them venturing to New Hampshire treasures such as Mount Major and Mount Monadnock.
In every location, Exonians were intentional about digging into the ideas and goals set forth in the school’s Environmental Mission Statement.
