WILMINGTON — It was a warm, sunny morning on April 16 when the students from St. Anthony of Padua School gathered in a courtyard connecting the school and church to hear some news that made their day even brighter. The school had been selected as a Green Streams champion by New Castle County.
County executive Matt Meyer could not make it to St. Anthony’s, but his director of communications, Brian Cunningham, and Kristie Arlotta, the county’s sustainability coordinator, were there to present an oversized check for $1,500.
“When we all work together,” Arlotta told the students, “there is nothing that can stop us.”
Clean Streams is an initiative sponsored by the county to help improve water quality. Among the ways people can become a Clean Streams “champion” is to pick up animal waste, improve gardening practices, avoid putting anything but rain water down storm drains, reduce use of household chemicals, and not pour cooking greases down drains.
Abby White, an office manager at St. Anthony’s, helped coordinate the Clean Streams campaign at the school.
“We made sure all the kids learned about the Clean Streams campaign and the different things they need to do to keep our water clean,” she said.
They asked the students to have their families sign the Clean Streams pledge. The school already participates in recycling various materials, and it recently added a clothing recycling bin outside the building.
Brandy Miller, a math specialist and reading teacher, helped spread the word about the campaign via the school’s social media. She said the students were excited to participate through events such as a dress-down day and by designing posters.
“We always encouraged them to tell their parents to vote,” she said.
White said they have not decided to spend their $1,500, but the students will get some sort of reward. Some of the funds also may be used to help with more environmental work.
“Some of the kids discussed wanting to plant some plants and shrubs out front,” White said.
