Rehoboth Elementary students win environmentalist award

In May, an informal conversation in Jacquie Kisiel’s science classroom generated an idea that became a movement.

Fifth-grade students Sawyer Brockstedt, Alex DeEmedio, Melanie McKean and Savannah Montgomery were determined to make an impact on local waterways. With the help of Rehoboth Elementary students and staff, it wasn’t long before the Strawless RES initiative was put into action.

Alongside their science teacher, the students used recess time to do research and collect data about how plastic materials were affecting local waterways. Eventually the data led to a meeting with Principal Susan Donahue. “I was so impressed with the information and statistics the students had collected,” said Donahue, now retired. “I encouraged them to continue with their goal and supported their mission however I could. It’s wonderful to see it paying off for them.”

After the data was collected, the students put together a detailed strategic plan. They read the benefits of going strawless on the morning announcements, placed flyers around the school, created an I Will Be Straw Free pledge for students and staff to sign. They also made presentations to the PTO, local business owners and, eventually, the Rehoboth Beach Board of Commissioners.

The students were honored by Gov. John Carney and Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Secretary Shawn Garvin in recognition of DNREC’s Annual Young Environmentalist of the Year. Their award was presented during the 2018 Delaware State Fair in Harrington at a special ceremony hosted by DNREC.

“I am so proud of these four girls,” said Kisiel. “They did an incredible job with their planning and execution of their movement, and now to receive a young environmentalist award from Gov. Carney is a testament to their hard work and dedication. Beginning with the 2018-19 school year, Rehoboth Elementary will officially be strawless. The students are so excited to, not only have been recognized by the governor, but to now have their planning and hard work paying off.”

Straws will be available upon request should a student still want one.