This year’s ecological awareness event takes place April 26
Published in the April 16-29, 2014 issue of Morgan Hill Life
By Jenny Turk
Two walkers take part in last year’s event.
Photo by Maureen Pramanik
One of the many things attending Mount Madonna School has taught me is to care about our planet. In elementary school, we celebrated Earth Day, April 22, every year by spending the day outside enjoying the natural world. Summit for the Planet is another way in which we celebrate our connection to Earth.
My life has changed by the opportunities I have been given at Mount Madonna School which I have attended for 10 years. It is very hard to fully understand the Mount Madonna experience unless you actually witness it. One of the many opportunities we have for guests to visit our school is the annual Summit for the Planet walk-a-thon and environmentally-friendly community festival. The walk-a-thon is a way for the school to raise money and awareness about the environment. Participants can walk 5k or 10k. This year the eighth annual Summit for the Planet will take place at 9 a.m. Saturday April 26.
I love walking through the redwood forest surrounding Mount Madonna School with my friends. Hundreds of people show up for the walk-a-thon. It is very family friendly and open to everyone. I love seeing many new people who show up and have no relationship to the school. It is a great way to get exercise and hang out with your friends.
After the walk-a-thon, everyone enjoys a festival at the middle and high campus with organic food and live music. There are educational booths about solar power, animals and more where people can learn to care for our natural environment. There is also an eco-carnival where children can learn about their connection to Earth.
Many of the Mount Madonna classrooms are turned into animal habitats for snakes and bats. We have local businesses that come and sell goods and food. Eighth graders race small solar cars that they have designed and built from recycled materials. There is a dunk tank for the students to dunk the teachers. We use all compostable plates and utensils. It is really just a great way to spend a day with your family outside in the warm sun.
Like all schools we have to raise funds. Summit for the Planet is just one of three annual fundraisers and it allows everyone to experience our shared values of eco-friendliness and community. It is a great way to experience Mount Madonna School.
Jenny Turk is a senior at Mount Madonna School. She wrote this commentary for Morgan Hill Life.
