Magnolia West students 'go green' and give back

Magnolia West High School students and faculty are encouraging people to save energy and participate in "green" programs in the community.

The West Interact club joined with the school's National Honor Society chapter and other organizations during Green Week, Aug. 20-24, to promote energy conservation and carbon footprint reduction. Students volunteered each school day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to encourage eco-friendliness and environmental impact.

"This project is a great way for us to help teachers educate incoming students about their impact on the environment," said Dakota Stormer, board member of Keep Montgomery Beautiful and president of Magnolia West High School's Interact club, in a press release. "We hope to make this a cleaner greener year for our school district."

Students posted reminders about energy-saving practices around the school, like turning off computers and lights when not in use. They also provided ideas on water conservation, pollution and litter reduction.

Stormer is leading the way for other community schools to get involved as well. At J.L. Lyon Elementary, she and fifth-grade teacher Julie Sustala organized more than 25 volunteers to prepare green-themed classrooms for the upcoming school year, encouraging eco-friendly ideas that students can take home after class. Students also worked to make posters and bulletin boards while assisting their teachers.

"This has been the easiest start to the year that we have ever had," said Connie Melton, a teacher at J.L. Lyon Elementary, in the release. "I am very thankful that these students were here to help. I have never seen a group of students so willing to improve a school and help teachers."

The group plans to expand its program to William Elementary starting Saturday, Sept. 29.