At Santa Fe Christian Middle School, a group of passionate students aren’t just talking about making a difference—they are doing it. The SFC Environmental Club, led by Justin, Steven, Eli, and Jayden, turned their small club into something big.
It all started with their campaign, “Raffle for the Rainforest.” The idea was simple: students could donate money to enter a raffle for a brand-new pair of Vans. What seemed like a fun way to engage their peers quickly became a powerful movement. Donations poured in from students across the school, and by the end of the fundraiser, they had collected enough money to save two acres of rainforest in Ecuador.
But they didn’t stop there. Next, they launched the “Green SFC” campaign, encouraging students to use reusable water bottles and educating their peers about waste reduction. And raised $200 so 200 pounds of plastic and trash could be pulled out of the ocean with Boyan Slat’s Interceptor Boat!
Their dedication didn’t go unnoticed. Last November, Hallmark recognized the club’s incredible efforts and surprised them with a $5,000 check.
With the unexpected funding, the environmental club faced a big decision: Where should the money go?
They partnered with Reserva and The Leatherback Project to track an endangered sea turtle, which they named Exodus. Using a satellite tag attached to its shell, the club will monitor Exodus’ migratory path over the course of a year. This scientific data will help conservationists and government agencies protect the islands and waterways where these turtles live.
For Justin, Steven, Eli, Jayden, and the rest of the environmental club, this is just the beginning. Their ultimate goal is to inspire students to take care of the planet, get outdoors, and appreciate the beauty of nature.
