NSHSS for Good Earth Sustainability

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NSHSS for Good Earth Sustainability

Claes Nobel: "Celebrate Earth Day every day."

Claes Nobel, of the Nobel Prize family and Co-founder of NSHSS, was a passionate advocate for environmental causes. In fact, his favorite greeting was “Good Earth to you!" He encouraged all of us to treat every day as if it were Earth Day by taking action and doing our part to preserve, protect, and tend to this wonderful planet we call home. Watch the video for Mr. Nobel's special message.

Supporting your passion for climate action and sustainability

NSHSS Foundation Earth Day Awards

The��encourages environmental stewardship among high school students globally through the Earth Day Award competition. The project is open to all high school students annually.

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NSHSS Claes Nobel Good Earth Sustainability Scholarship

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Earth Day Is Every Day Virtual Panel

April 22, 2026 at 7:00 PM ET

NSHSS co-founder Claes Nobel, who was known to use “Good Earth to you!” as his favorite greeting, encouraged all of us to treat every day as if it were Earth Day by taking action and doing our part to preserve, protect, and tend to this beautiful planet we call home.

For Earth Day this year, NSHSS will host an annual virtual panel featuring NSHSS environmental changemakers! Each student panelist earned a grant or award for their creative solutions to the environmental issues in their communities and the globe!

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Students In Action

Avery Kinney

Avery Kinney is an emerging agricultural researcher focused on improving animal welfare and environmental sustainability through practical, science-based solutions. Her work centers on water quality in livestock systems, using goats as a model species to examine how common cleaning methods for water containers influence microbial growth and water chemistry. Through a controlled experimental design, she evaluated treatments such as bleach, vinegar, and dish soap by collecting and analyzing bacterial samples and pH levels, applying statistical methods to determine their effectiveness. Kinney’s research addresses a frequently overlooked issue in agriculture—water that appears clean but may harbor unseen risks—and translates scientific findings into accessible recommendations for local producers. By sharing her results through agriscience fairs, FFA events, and direct outreach, she has helped shift community perspectives on water management as a critical component of animal health. Her work highlights the broader implications of sustainable water practices across livestock systems while reinforcing her commitment to a future career in animal science and environmental research.

NSHSS Earth Day Award 2026 Winner

Matthew Bartel

Matthew Bartel is an emerging environmental researcher focused on improving public health through practical, data-driven solutions in built environments. His work examines air quality in high-traffic public spaces, inspired by observations at Miami International Airport where dense vehicle idling and limited airflow in passenger pickup zones raised concerns about unseen health risks. Designing a field-based study, Bartel measured particulate matter levels using portable air quality monitors across varying traffic and environmental conditions, documenting sustained elevations in pollution during peak periods. His findings highlighted the real and repeated exposure risks faced by travelers, airport staff, and vulnerable populations. By presenting his research to local officials and airport operations staff, he contributed to tangible improvements in ventilation strategies, including enhanced airflow systems and filtration measures. Bartel’s work demonstrates how accessible research can influence infrastructure decisions and underscores his commitment to pursuing a career at the intersection of environmental engineering, public health, and policy to create healthier, more sustainable communities.

NSHSS Earth Day Award 2026 Winner

Ritvik Rajkumar

Ritvik Rajkumar is leading EcoVeridian.org, a student-founded nonprofit and browser extension that empowers consumers to make environmentally responsible decisions by providing real-time corporate sustainability scores. Recognizing that the climate crisis is already impacting communities while reliable information remains difficult to access, he developed EcoVeridian to translate complex environmental data into an accessible “GreenScore” based on energy efficiency, waste management, and carbon emissions. As Co-Founder and Lead Product Engineer, he built the platform’s frontend and backend infrastructure, integrated live news data, and designed an intuitive user interface that makes sustainability insights understandable to a broad audience. Through collaboration with environmental scientists and mentorship from academia, he ensured the scoring system is both scientifically grounded and practical. Rajkumar has shared EcoVeridian with educators and community leaders, helping position it as both a consumer tool and an educational resource, and he continues to expand its reach with the goal of driving more informed choices, increasing corporate accountability, and shaping a more sustainable future.

NSHSS Earth Day Award 2026 Winner

Zarah Khan

Zarah Khan is a youth environmental advocate who believes deeply in the power of young voices to create meaningful change. Inspired by the urgent realities of climate change she witnessed growing up—from wildfires in California to hurricanes in Florida and floods affecting her extended family abroad—she founded the Learn Environmental Advocacy Project (LEAP: leapyouth.org) to empower students to take action through legislation and civic engagement. LEAP equips participants with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to research environmental issues, draft policy proposals, and advocate directly to elected officials. Through structured programs that guide students from discovery to lobbying, Zarah has helped young leaders successfully develop and present environmental legislation, including bills addressing plastic waste and food waste reduction in Florida. Her work has gained recognition from local officials and even led to a state-sponsored bill currently under debate. Expanding her impact globally, Zarah launched LEAP at United World Colleges, where students from diverse countries collaborate to address environmental challenges in their own communities. As LEAP continues to grow across continents, Zarah remains committed to ensuring that young people are not only heard but empowered to shape a more sustainable future.

Aditi Muduganti

Aditi Muduganti is a youth climate leader dedicated to restoring biodiversity and promoting sustainable urban ecosystems through the expansion of Miyawaki forests in her community. With support from the La Crosse Youth Climate Action Fund and Bloomberg Philanthropies, she leads a project that transforms small, underutilized green spaces into dense, native forests that grow rapidly and become self-sustaining. Through research, community collaboration, and hands-on implementation, Aditi has guided the creation of a thriving forest that improves air quality, supports local wildlife, and serves as an outdoor classroom for students. By organizing planting events and engaging volunteers, she has fostered a strong sense of community ownership and environmental stewardship. Her work has raised awareness about the power of local climate solutions and demonstrated how small-scale actions can lead to meaningful environmental impact. As the forest continues to grow, Aditi envisions expanding similar projects to other communities, inspiring a network of urban forests that contribute to long-term sustainability and climate resilience.

NSHSS Earth Day Award 2026 Winner

Lottie Arnold

Charlotte (Lottie) Arnold is a 16-year-old climate advocate from New York City dedicated to expanding access to climate education across her state. As a member of the National Wildlife Federation’s Climate Resilience and Education Task Force, she helped advocate for legislation to integrate climate education into New York public schools, an effort that, despite strong support, ultimately underscored for her the urgency of taking action beyond policy. In response, Arnold co-founded ACES, an after-school program that brings hands-on, peer-led climate education to elementary and middle school students, particularly in under-resourced communities. Through interactive workshops covering topics such as renewable energy, water pollution, agriculture, and sustainable fashion, ACES transforms complex environmental concepts into engaging, tangible learning experiences. By leveraging a peer-to-peer model, the program not only captures younger students’ attention but also develops leadership and communication skills among high school volunteers. Currently in its pilot phase, ACES has already reached students in Brooklyn and is expanding across New York City with the goal of building a sustainable, scalable curriculum that fosters climate literacy, empowers future leaders, and equips students with the knowledge to navigate and address the environmental challenges ahead.

NSHSS Partner Resources

United Planet has many blogs, resources, and opportunities for students wishing to make a positive environmental impact on the planet!

The Intern Group connects young, ambitious candidates to unique global internships designed to help them realize their potential prepare them for the professional world.��

Ladder Internships has virtual internship opportunities ranging in industries such as nonprofit and environmental science.

BioEndeavor to support students through their high school and post secondary journey. The supports real-world purpose driven STEM research, publishing opportunities, and a standout academic portfolio.

is open source and committed to providing resources and information to those interested in reducing their footprint for free.

Giving Back at Piedmont Park Conservancy

On April 8, 2026, NSHSS staff volunteered with Piedmont Park Conservancy in celebration of Earth Month and Volunteer Appreciation Month. Our team helped spread 10,000 pounds of mulch to support the park’s tree canopy and beautify high-traffic areas near the bocce courts. The Conservancy shared its appreciation for the team’s hard work, kindness, and meaningful impact on Atlanta’s outdoor community space.

Read Press Release

These sustainability initiatives earned a $10,000 grant

Aveer Chadha

Aveer Chadha is a lauded researcher, advocate, and serial entrepreneur. He is the founder of an internationally recognized nonprofit organization, EmpowerIndiaEdu, which aims to eradicate illiteracy in India, and has received endorsements from the Pennsylvania Senate and UNA-USA. Furthermore, he is the co-founder of Solvis, a company that uses AI and ML to enable construction entities to monitor runoff magnitude, thereby reducing EPA fines and environmental harm. Solvis has been internationally awarded in 6 pitch competitions. He is also the Managing Partner and Founder of a capital startup that provides entrepreneurial advice through Behavioral Economics, Fruition.ed. Moreover, he is the president of his local DECA chapter, having won 1st at ICDC in the Startup Business Plan category. He also enjoys doing economic research, which he pursues through a research position at Lehigh University. Consequently, he has published in an academic journal focused on international trade. Finally, Aveer is a 2025 Bank of America Student Leader and Coca-Cola Scholars Semifinalist, among other salient honors. Outside of academics, Aveer enjoys playing tennis. As a three-time district champion, he has captained his team at the top singles position. Overall, he is an enthusiastic learner dedicated to addressing pressing issues and spreading education.

Sumedha Katakam

Sumedha "Sumi" Katakam is the Chief Executive Officer at ASK Solar LLC. From a young age, Sumi has been passionate about using STEM to impact people's lives positively. Sumi's love for STEM has guided her endeavors, and she now leads ASK with a strong focus on sustainability and financial efficiency. With a deep understanding of the solar industry's challenges, Sumi uses her engineering and leadership expertise to drive ASK towards a more sustainable future.

Kendra Nayanka

Kendra is a first-year engineering student at McMaster University with a longstanding passion for STEM. Throughout high school, she was active in two robotics teams, self-taught coding, enjoyed tinkering, and taught STEM to children. She's also a tennis athlete, started playing when she was seven, became a competitive player then a coach. Now, she's on the McMaster University tennis varsity team.
In June 2023, during a high school province-wide tennis tournament, Kendra experienced the impact of Quebec's wildfires on Ontario's air quality despite the absence of smoke and odor. She noticed varying effects on her mother, coach, and herself. Shortly after, she read about the death of a child in BC due to air quality from wildfires. That fall 2023, she started developing Port-AM, a portable, affordable, and personalized air quality monitor for outdoors and wildfires.
Port-AM has earned six awards at a regional science fair and a national award in the health and well-being category. Recently, Kendra was selected for a competitive health innovation hub at McMaster University for health innovators, where she'll receive support to develop Port-AM. She's committed to bringing Port-AM to market in the coming years. Be More Grant is helping to turn her vision into reality.

Sasha Ovalle

Sasha's passion for innovation began at the age of 10 during her first science and innovation fair. Thinking of her uncle, who was born with spina bifida, she decided to redesign the unwieldy and outdated crutches that he was forced to use every day. While her invention fell short of changing her uncle’s life, she obtained a provisional patent for it and began her journey as a young entrepreneur.

Sasha has continued her entrepreneurial growth as a member of her high school’s��Entrepreneurialism and Global Leadership (EGL) Concentration where she was named EGL Student of the Year in 2022 and EGL Student Ambassador in 2023. Sasha's most recent project is Shower Saver, the world's first and only voice-controlled, Amazon Alexa-enabled shower head, an eco-friendly product with the potential to reduce national water consumption by a billion gallons a year. In addition to being awarded $10,000 in grant funding as an NSHSS Be More Fund national award winner, Shower Saver was selected as a finalist in the 2023 YES! Accelerator Program, an international entrepreneurial contest sponsored by BizWorld.org, the 2023 Paradigm Challenge, an international, STEM-based innovation competition sponsored by Project Paradigm, and the 2023 Citizen Entrepreneurship Competition, a global entrepreneurship competition focused on sustainability and sponsored by UNESCO, the GOI Peace Foundation, and Stiftung Entrepreneurship.

Chase Hartman

Chase Hartman, 17, co-founded a non-profit called Eco Brothers and an award-winning book distribution project called “read.repeat.” For the past seven years, he’s focused on improving literacy rates, promoting inclusion, and helping the environment. Chase has collected and distributed more than 210,000 books and impacted the lives of more than 55,000 students in Hillsborough County, Florida. Chase champions the need for more books-with-diversity and dual language books in local Title-1 schools and has worked to raise more than $115,000 to support this cause and various environmental projects.

Chase is an Eagle Scout and Student Body President at Sickles High School in Tampa. He’s honored to receive the Congressional Award’s Silver Medal, and the NSHSS Be More Award. He serves on the Points of Light Youth Council, promoting volunteerism to young people nationwide.

Jiya Gupta

Jiya Gupta is a high school senior in California. As an aspiring tech entrepreneur, Jiya founded Farmoid, a non-profit dedicated to increasing yield and decreasing water wastage in small farms using a system of sensors and a mobile app. With seed funding from NSHSS, she can't wait to take her business to the next step and aid small farmers worldwide!

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NSHSS Member Taylor Sherer Earns Captain Planet Earth Day Award

Taylor's salt marsh conservation project in��South Carolina is just one of the many important environmental efforts that students are doing to protect our precious planet on Earth Day and every day! "I'm so excited that my environmental stewardship project has allowed me to receive both the Captain Planet Earth Day Scholarship and acceptance into the Biological Sciences major at Clemson. I look forward to continuing my passion for ecological conservation."

22 Apr 2019

10 Ways You Can Practice Sustainability Right Now (and why it’s important)

Sustainability has grown into a global issue. Here are the top ten ways that you can practice stronger sustainability right now.��

16 Apr 2021

Tell us something good...Earth!

Be sure to tell NSHSS about your climate action and sustainability efforts and initiatives you are doing for the good of the Earth so we can share with others. For example, how are you bringing awareness for environmental issues and solutions in your own community? We want to hear from you! for a chance to be featured on the NSHSS blog, , or in our quarterly Scholar’s Journal!

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