By Andreana Jinjue Lin
Photo Credit: Hunter Raab
[Our students] are the next generation, but what are we doing as adults to create a better space [for them]?” — Dr. Francisco Durán, Arlington Public Schools Superintendent
On Monday, October 7th, over 200+ leaders, advocates, and change-makers came together at Meridian High School for our Climate Crisis Forum to ignite action for a greener future. This was our 8th annual Climate Crisis Forum, and the first focused on how Northern Virginia schools are tackling the climate crisis and empowering students to take action.
Main Program: Student & Superintendent Panels
Moderated by FACS Board Member Elaine Tholen, this year’s forum featured two dynamic panel discussions. The first panel featured student climate activists from each major Northern Virginia county, including the independent municipalities of Alexandria and Falls Church. These five young leaders voiced why climate action matters to them and how their school districts can help them reach their goals:
- Naya Chopra, Arlington Public Schools (APS)
- Brooks Frandsen, Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS)
- Ariya Lee, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS)
- Phineas Wolf, Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS)
- Emily Marrow, Falls Church City Public Schools (FCCPS)
Following the passionate student panel, we had Northern Virginia superintendents answer questions about how their districts are leading efforts in sustainability, energy efficiency, and climate education and how the community can support further action. We were thrilled to have been joined by these four superintendents:
- Dr. Michelle Reid (FCPS)
- Dr. Francisco Durán (APS)
- Dr. Aaron Spence (LCPS)
- Dr. Aaron Spence (FCCPS)
Community Partners & Vendor Exhibits
We had 17 incredible Community Partners & Vendors join us to share their sustainability-focused missions and local impact.
- Cox Business
- Fairfax County’s Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination
- Fairfax County Park Authority
- Loudoun Environmental Education Alliance
- Northern Virginia Bird Alliance
- Chesapeake Climate Action Network
- Interfaith Power and Light DMV
- Go Electric DMV
- Secure Solar Futures
- Chippin
- Reston Strong
- Northern Virginia Soil & Water Conservation District
- Virginia Association for Environmental Education
- Fairfax County Council of PTAs
- Citizen’s Climate Lobby Fairfax
- Quiet Clean NOVA
- Educational Climate Solutions
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