NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hudson Senior High School Envirothon Students, Staff, Administration Speak on Environmental Change Strategies with King, Queen of the Netherlands, New York State Leaders
June 14, 2024, HUDSON, NY — The Hudson City School District is proud to announce the participation of six Hudson Senior High School students, Senior High School teacher James McDarby, the District’s Superintendent Dr. Juliette Pennyman and District Consultant Stephanie Forsyth in addressing global climate change findings and strategies to combat environmental challenges with international royalty and New York State leaders on June 12, 2024 at the Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site in Albany.
District students, staff and administration had the distinct opportunity to interact with King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, New York State Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado, and Netherlands Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Liesje Schreinemacher.
“It was an honor and privilege to be present for this important conversation with state officials and global leaders, and to watch our talented Bluehawks represent the Hudson City School District by sharing their intelligence on how to mitigate environmental concerns and issues,” Pennyman said. “Embracing the District’s mantra of #HudsonTogetherWeCan! has now been elevated to a global platform, and I am so proud to have been able to witness this firsthand.”
The students, Anthony Cozzolino, Tessa Goldstien, Autumn Hopkins, Nabila Miah, Labonna Prova and Magdalena Ramos, all members of Hudson Senior High School’s Environmental Club, Envirothon team and AP Environmental Science class taught and advised by McDarby, were selected to discuss their concerns about global climate change and strategies that could be implemented to combat growing environmental issues. All students selected to attend the event carry an extensive knowledge of environmental issues and/or expertise on various environmental topics.
“Each student has spent a tremendous amount of time learning the AP Environmental Science curriculum, preparing for the Envirothon competition, and participating in Environmental Club activities,” McDarby said. “I’m incredibly proud of all their hard work and their environmental advocacy. Our future is in good hands.”
At four stations, four youth participants discussed topics such as sustainability, environmental health and conservation and energy sources with one facilitator from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and one principal (either King Willem-Alexander, Queen Maxima, Schreinemacher or Delgado) for approximately five-seven minutes, then rotated to a different table.
“This was an important event bringing attention to climate change that I was proud to be a part of,” said Hopkins.
“It was a great experience to meet and converse with like-minded environmentalists from different communities and gain insight into how similar and different our communities are, addressing climate change and sustainability,” said Goldstien.
Securing the opportunity for the District, Forsyth was incredibly proud of the presentations of the students and their ability to shine during the momentous occasion.
“What a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our students, staff and administration to be a part of,” Forsyth said. “This is just another example of the Hudson City School District leading the charge of providing a brighter future for the next generation.”
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For more information, please contact:
Austin Crosier
Hudson City School District Communications Technician/Specialist