A South Carolinian Teacher Goes to Washington, Talks GreenSchools!
“I’m just a bill, yeah, I’m only a bill, and I’m sittin’ here on Capitol Hill…” the old Schoolhouse Rock song was plunking its way through my brain as I walked up to Capitol Hill.
In July, I flew to Washington to share the successes of Project Learning Tree’s GreenSchools! with South Carolina’s political leaders.
I have to admit I felt both thrilled and a little (well, a lot) spoiled to be given such an amazing opportunity knowing the hard work that Sandy Gresham, Dr. Michelle Neubauer, and Lowcountry Prep School's Green Team have accomplished.
I especially wish I could have taken my Green Team students with me so that they could see the impact and importance of their work and how the PLT staff and the leaders in D.C. are impressed by their young leadership and concern for the environment. I hope they know how proud we all are of them!
I was also excited to see the offices and meet with the legislative aides for Senators Jim DeMint and Lindsey Graham, and Congressmen Tim Scott and James E. Clyburn. Like most South Carolinians are, the vibe was friendly, polite, and “unfancy”—as my grandma used to say. Today, I think one calls it “authentic”.
Senator DeMint’s Legislative Assistant Gaston Mooney spoke of his fond memories of working with Ducks Unlimited. Courtney Titus of Senator Graham’s office seemed genuinely interested in coming to visit the school and see our green work, as did Delores LaCosta of Congressmen Scott’s office. And it was great to be able to thank Representative Clyburn’s office for his support.
However, I must say, one of my favorite parts of the day was meeting Smokey Bear. What a cool dude. I am just wondering where Woodsy the “Give a Hoot! Don’t Pollute!” owl was.
At any rate, I feel grateful, inspired, and ready to rock it out with more PLT projects this year at Lowcountry Prep School. Hopefully I can blog about those experiences someday soon!
Thanks, PLT!
Guest blogger Shannon Lewis thanks Rep. Clyburn's Legislative Assistant Willie Lyles, III. Photo credit: Amanda Cooke. More photos are available on PLT's Facebook page.
