In a vibrant gathering at the Forest Hills Public Schools Board of Education meeting, students took center stage, passionately advocating for a cause that resonates deeply with their community: reducing air pollution caused by idling cars during school pick-up times.

As parents and guardians line up as early as 45 minutes before school dismissal, many vehicles remain stationary with engines running, contributing to harmful emissions. This issue sparked a proactive response from students, who collaborated with local environmental advocate Marshall Cobour and Representative Hood to draft a bill aimed at curbing idling practices. The bill is currently under review by legal experts in Lansing, and the students are urging the school board to take action before it becomes law.

Alex Alvington, one of the student representatives, shared insights from their investigation into the idling problem. Over several days, they monitored the parking lot and found that a staggering 75% of cars were idling for 20 minutes or more before the school day ended. Their research revealed that even a single car idling for just 15 minutes daily could waste approximately 29 gallons of gasoline in a year, translating to over $100 spent on fuel that goes nowhere.

The students emphasized the environmental and financial implications of this behavior, suggesting that the money wasted on idling could instead be redirected to support school programs. Their findings not only highlight the need for immediate action but also showcase the power of student-led initiatives in addressing community issues.

As the meeting concluded, the board members were left with a compelling call to action from these young advocates, reminding everyone that small changes can lead to significant impacts on both the environment and the community's resources. The students' commitment to making a difference serves as an inspiring example of civic engagement and environmental stewardship.