Saturday, January 25, 2014

The Spark To The Wildfire



The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation's partnership and donation of the fifty plus fruit trees has been an astonishing gift and sight! The trees are a key factor in the unification of the student body. It sparked the flame to the wildfire which thrives in the East End. Many students at Austin High School have committed themselves as stewards of the campus grounds, working as a team which meets regularly, establishing and maintaining green projects.

GreenSchools! Austin students speaking to various community leaders.
January 22, 2014.

The vision of the East End Greenbelt is to create an urban sustainable green corridor in the community. The Greenbelt composes of East End schools dedicated with determined students who commit to plans of action which impact the community. Where social energy is at the core of the movement, only united will the East End prevail in establishing a sustainable community.


Furthering their goals in the movement. Greenbelt Ambassadors of Austin High School recently received Project Learning Tree Educator training and certification. With the knowledge gained, they will soon start implementing green projects at other East End schools. The Ambassadors will collaborate with diverse groups of people, networking, creating and uniting partnerships.  In addition, the ambassadors recently spoke and discussed with with community leaders on January 22, 2014. The ambassadors shared stories, experiences and provided a personal insight into the implementation of programs such as GreenSchools! The ears of alumni, educators, administrators, and supportive community leaders were present and listening. This is just the stepping stone to the bigger picture!


From Left to Right
Anthony, Austin High School
Green Ambassador
Junior, Fruit Tree Steward, SFA Mustang Pride Cheerleader

Emerson, Austin High School
Green Ambassador
Freshmen, Fruit Tree Steward, JROTC, Student Athlete

John Boyette
Texas Project Learning Tree Co-Coordinator
District Forester III
Texas Forest Service

Gabby, Austin High School
Green Ambassador
Junior, Fruit Tree Steward, SFA Mustang Pride Cheerleader, Debate, Latino Business Leader

Luis, Austin High School
Green Ambassador
Junior, Fruit Tree Steward, SFA Mustang Pride Cheerleader, Latino Business Leader


Mr. De Hoyos, Luis and Emerson during permaculture class. 
These leaders have also begone their journey to become permaculture certified through Urban Harvest. Through these courses and training, the students will gain an understanding of designing a sustainable community through permaculture. With the knowledge gained, the team will collaborate with community leaders to establish a sustainable food forest. 

This blog is dedicated to East End leaders who create change through action. The beginning has just sparked, it's time to unite the East End! Together, we Unify, Reclaim and Restore the East End!

GreenSchools! at Austin is lead by Mr. Elizondo, AHS CTE Media Instructor and serves as the GreenSchools! Green Ambassador Coordinator. Mr. de Hoyos, AHS Art Instructor, SFA Mustang Pride Cheer Team Coach, is a Lead GreenSchools! Instructor on campus. Both instructors implement Project Learning Tree pedagogy styles in their teaching and take advantage of Austin's eco outdoor classroom. The instructors are Alumni of Austin High School, graduating in 2006 and received their undergraduate from The University of Texas at Austin. Together, their students seek to unify the East End! Their students meet regularly after school, establishing and maintaing action projects.