On Friday, May 30th, the Garrison Union Free School District proudly hosted its annual Youth Climate Summit, a dynamic and inspiring event designed to foster meaningful connections between students and nature, within themselves, and with one another.
The Summit included students from PK-8 from Garrison, alongside 5th-12th grade students from Katonah-Lewisboro, Haldane, Putnam Valley, and Highland Falls-Fort Montgomery school districts. This inclusive, student-centered event continues to grow as a regional hub for youth-led climate action and sustainability education.
The Summit featured a rich array of programming, including:
Long-term student research projects: Students showcasing innovative ideas and scientific inquiry, including 8th-grade Civic Projects, mentored by Chrissy Valvano, Social Studies Teacher.
Eco-Art Installation: Elementary through middle school students created and displayed artwork that integrated sustainability concepts, as well as a range of art techniques and creative expression, nurtured by art teacher, Coulter Young.
Hands-on workshops: Led by sustainability and environmental science experts, highlighting the diverse career paths and real-world applications of environmental science.
Community engagement opportunities: Empowered students taking actionable steps toward a more sustainable future.
We were honored by the presence of New York State Assemblymember Dana Levenberg, New York State Education Department Regent Dr. Fran Wills, and Philipstown Deputy Supervisor Robert Flaherty, whose continued support underscores the importance of climate education in shaping tomorrow’s leaders. Dr. Wills shared with us the following thought about GUFS: "This is how schools are supposed to be."
This Summit is more than just a day of events—it’s a reflection of our shared values and our commitment to empowering students to lead and innovate for a better future. By combining student-led sessions with expert-led, interactive workshops, we’re creating a space where young people can truly envision and build a sustainable world.
The 2025 Youth Climate Summit was a resounding success, leaving the GUFS community inspired and energized. One of the most meaningful moments came from our distinguished guest, National Science Teachers Association Past-President Judy Luft, who observed that our students are not only passionate but remarkably collaborative—eager to take on real-world challenges through teamwork and inquiry.
Christa Buccola, GUFS Environmental Science & STEM Coordinator, further shared, “As an educator, one of the greatest joys of my role is witnessing students identify issues within their communities that truly matter to them and then use science as a tool for change. Their curiosity, compassion, and determination embody the very heart of civic engagement and environmental responsibility.”
At Garrison UFSD, we remain deeply committed to fostering environmental stewardship and empowering every student to grow as a thoughtful, informed leader ready to make a lasting impact.
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