French ACP Students Take on Recycling Education for a Sustainable Future

Two Whitfield French ACP (Advanced College Preparatory) students recently participated in Principia School’s annual Impact Challenge, an event that empowers students to act as change agents while addressing the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The showcase, held last week, brought together students from Pre-K through 12th grade to present innovative solutions aimed at making a positive impact on their communities. For Whitfield's students, the focus was clear: educating their peers about recycling.

Working entirely in French, the students first researched the UN’s sustainable development goals, ultimately selecting Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. They designed a project centered on enhancing recycling awareness at Whitfield, highlighting the importance of sustainable habits right here on campus.

Their preparation involved in-depth research, stakeholder interviews, and a student poll. Mrs. Ringe, Mr. Kampen, and other campus leaders provided insight into Whitfield’s current recycling efforts. To gauge community awareness, the students surveyed 100 students and faculty members. Surprisingly, 73% of respondents believed Whitfield does not recycle—despite the fact that we do!

Motivated by these findings, the students developed an educational flyer reminding the community of our recycling efforts. These flyers will soon appear on all recycling bins across campus. Their goal? To clear up misconceptions and inspire everyone to play a role in sustainability. Stay tuned for a formal announcement during an upcoming January assembly!

When presenting their project to Principia’s audience, including environmental experts from the St. Louis area, the students adapted their presentation to English for broader accessibility. They shared their findings and answered thoughtful questions during a Q&A session.

The afternoon offered additional opportunities for connection and learning. Whitfield students listened to presentations from their Principia peers, gaining fresh perspectives on other student-driven sustainability projects. They also attended a special session led by a local environmental expert working toward solutions for the UN’s goals.

This project was a powerful example of Whitfield’s commitment to fostering global citizenship and real-world learning. By connecting their global challenges unit in French class to a tangible initiative on campus, these students demonstrated critical thinking, leadership, and innovation—proving that even small changes can create a big impact.