Class of 2029

Hello, I am Catherine Son, and I am a freshman at Castilleja School in Palo Alto. I still remember the first time I saw one of many headlines about global warming: polar bears. Their homes, glaciers, were melting and they were suffering from starvation. I can still recall the hurt and sadness I felt, especially when I saw an image of a lonely, malnourished polar bear, wandering the Arctic. It was then at that moment I knew I had to use my voice to advocate for nature. Today, I urge everybody to speak up for their values and use their abilities to bring awareness to the world's problems.

Hello! My name is Matthew Li and I am currently a freshman attending Saratoga High School. The destruction of the environment today is a serious issue with devastating consequences for our planet and its ecosystems. However, I believe that by coming together and taking small, consistent steps, we can make a meaningful difference. Through collaboration and conscious action, we can protect and preserve the environment, creating a healthier and more sustainable world for all living beings. 

Hello, my name is Natalie Song and I'm a freshman at Harker School. As a young girl, I would often nag my parents until they drove me on a four-hour roundtrip to a nearby aquarium. For those years when visits were regular, I dreamt of becoming an ocean scientist so I could live in those tanks I loved so much. I lost my wonderful dream due to practical circumstances, but I can't imagine how many more lost them because of the declining well-being of ocean life due to pollution. In the end, such beautiful dreams can be revived as soon as we take responsibility in our duties to protect the Earth. 

Hello, my name is Clara Jo, and I’m currently a freshman at Leigh High School. In our world, climate change caused by fossil fuels is a big problem. The combustion of fossil fuels releases gases into the atmosphere and traps heat, leading to the melting of Arctic ice, which polar bears rely on for hunting, mating, and shelter. As polar bears lose their habitats, they also lose their way of getting food. I want to emphasize the impact climate change has on our world, and I believe we can help save the polar bears and everything else! I hope more people can recognize how big of an impact climate change has had on our world, and how it will continue to affect it over the years. I hope people take action to reduce the use of fossil fuels, such as walking instead of driving, biking, etc. There are many ways to help, so join me in saving the polar bears!