Woburn Memorial students win statewide video contest, propose seed library and cafeteria-plastic solutions

Students from Woburn Memorial High School’s Sustainable Development Club visited the school committee on June 9 to present a winning video and outline ongoing projects and next-year plans.

Co-presidents Joseph Lawrence and Leam Mockinski Ramos said the club’s two-minute contest video about what should and should not be flushed won first place and was shown to the committee; the students described field trips (Deer Island water-treatment center), community outreach and plans to expand outreach into middle schools. Club members said they are building a seed library—collecting excess seeds from seed companies to make free seed packets available to district residents—and pursuing ways to reduce single-use plastic in school lunches, including exploring grant funding for alternatives.

Committee members praised the students’ creativity and asked about membership and logistics. Students said participation is strong and that older students will mentor middle-school groups next year. Miss Wetzel and other members suggested sharing the video with younger grades and connecting the club with city sustainability initiatives, including an upcoming call hosted by the city energy advocate.

The club noted that administration engagement on cafeteria plastic is preliminary; students reported they have identified potential grants and will seek administrative support to evaluate equipment or operational changes needed to reduce single-use plastic.

Committee members encouraged students to continue community outreach, thanked them for representing the district at competitions, and suggested partnerships with the conservation committee and the city sustainability effort.