New Green Academy Project Benefits Local Program

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JOYCE LAM
Editor in Chief

There is a vast variety of organizations that students can become involved with at Alhambra High School. Green Academy is one of those organizations. Their aim is to increase student awareness of eco-friendly methods to minimize waste.
Green Academy is comprised of sophomores, juniors and seniors. They work together on various projects during the course of the school year. These projects are used throughout the campus and in programs within the school.
According to adviser Carlos Sanchez, who is also AHS’ wood shop instructor, students are recruited as freshmen. However, they officially enter the program as sophomores, since enrollment is limited to sophomores and above.
These students typically become involved with Green Academy after taking the “Exploring Technology” class, which is also taught by Sanchez.
“The students in Green Academy take classes together from tenth through twelfth grade, as a model of a school within a school. They are cohorted so they can learn together and be greater support for [one another],” Sanchez said.
The academy is currently involved with a district program called Learning Independence for Transition (LIFT). LIFT is Alhambra Unified School District’s new transition program designed to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities, who range from ages 18 to 22.
“This program teaches functional living skills, mobility, safety, work experience and community-based instruction,” LIFT coordinator Kathleen Doyle said. “The LIFT curriculum encompasses a variety of lessons for independent living including functional reading, math, social skills, domestic skills, vocational skills, housing options, healthy lifestyle and self-advocacy.”
For their latest project, Green Academy will be teaming up with LIFT to build raised beds for an organic garden. The Rotary Club of Alhambra has also offered the LIFT program a generous grant to build an organic garden on the site.
“Working with LIFT is a good introduction to the kinds of projects that we can possibly [be involved with] in the future,” senior Green Academy member Michelle Ma said.