J-Day

Well, J-Day, our school’s annual day of activities, food, and fun was held yesterday, May 30th. The TJSPI’s parent organization, the Environmental Impact Club, had a table and activity like we did last year. Like last year, our activity this year was EXTRAORDINARILY successful. But unlike last year, we actually made a substantial amount of money this year.

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This year, our activity was to make fondue (also called fruit kabobs), where we melted chocolate chips in a CooKit solar cooker and covered strawberries, marshmallows, bananas, and an assortment of delicious foods with the chocolate. We also had a solar panel powering the entire set-up, from the laptop to the speakers. Additionally, we had a letter-writing drive, which allowed students to write a handwritten, personalized letter to Sen. Webb urging him to support climate action legislation. And of course, we gave out free keychains promoting the use of reusable bags.

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Overall, it was a huge success. We made lots of money (always a plus), had many letters written (which will, hopefully, bring about change at the national level), and promoted the use of renewable energy among the school community to an extent never seen before. I can safely say that the TJSPI is now an integrated part of the culture at TJ, and has the active support of many.

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I would just like to mention a touching (for me, maybe not for others), action I saw occur a few times. We sold our product for $1. Every now and then, someone came up and gave us a $10, then urged us to keep the change, because “the solar panels are more important than my change.” Someone actually gave a $20 bill and said she didn’t even want to buy the fondue. In the large scheme of things, these acts of goodwill are minor. But for myself and the others who were volunteering at the booth at the time, it was enough to render us speechless. To those who care so much, thank you.