Lewis Middle School Students Participate in 2023 Student Symposium

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The 2023 Student Symposium on International Women’s Day showcased the innovative and impactful civic science projects middle and high school students created. The event, organized and facilitated by the Children’s Environmental Literacy Foundation (CELF) and hosted by EDP Renewables, brought together a diverse group of adult decision-makers from various fields.

The Student Symposium provided a unique opportunity for young civic scientists to share their work with influential adults who could support and amplify their efforts while celebrating women’s achievements in science and leadership roles. The students presented 15 place-based projects that tackled real-world problems in their communities and offered creative solutions using scientific methods. The projects ranged from environmental sustainability to social justice, and the presentations were delivered with confidence and poise by the student presenters.

Lewis Middle School took six projects to present at the symposium. Students that participated are in sixth, seventh, and eighth grade. The topics were Air Quality and Water Quality. This is the second year that Lewis Middle School has participated.

Ashley Álvarez, Cynthia Arevalo, José Barrios, Llubia Campos, Angie Escobar, Keilyn Flores, Monserrat Galván, Karla Guardado, Scarleth López, Shelsea Monarca, Ashley Montoya, and Jaqueline Núñez all participated. Their sponsor is Michael Arratia, who serves as the science department chair.

“The students were very nervous because they were the only middle school students at the symposium. After their first round of questioning, they became more comfortable and enjoyed discussing their projects,” said Arratia. “Opportunities like the symposium increase students’ self-confidence and help them realize they can do anything if they put their minds to it and believe in themselves.”