How I Celebrated the 40th Earth Day
Happy 40th Earth Day! I had the privilege of spending the day at St Augustine’s School in Union City, as a guest of Paul Horlacher, 5th grade teacher. Cynic that I am, Paul and the students displayed such positive energy, such joie de vivre, that I couldn’t help absorbing some of that myself. I’ve know Paul since we were in 5th grade, and he’s always been a non-conformist. At six-foot five, he stands out in any crowd (especially grade school children!) he’s kept his shoulder-length hair, and his classroom is adorned with rock-and-roll memorabilia. He’s what we would have called a “cool” teacher when I was in school. The children love him. I suppose it’s because he challenges them, and gives them responsibility. They flock around him and seek his approval. The entire school day was devoted to Earth Day… via Paul’s planning and direction. The morning featured a very engaging group of speakers from Rutgers University challenging the students to forgo bottled water. This was followed up by a speaker from PETA. The children (3-8 grades) were extremely well behaved, attentive, and interacted with the speakers at every opportunity. Then the children had time to examine a half gym of enviro displays, some interactive, created by Paul’s enviro-club students. For lunch, children each brought in a dish of ethnic food to share. What a feast! Afterwards the rest of the day was devoted to organized games in the gym. Paul orchestrated a wonderful event that not only educated and entertained, but highlighted the hope that at least some students are willing give as they grow and face the concerns of the world. Paul is an example of the many teachers and enviro activists making a difference each and every day. Thank you, Paul and St Augustine’s School students, for providing a glimmer of hope in an otherwise all too hopeless world.