North Penn High School was filled with excitement on Friday, April 12th, as the ENACT Club took the lead in organizing a significant event known as the Campus Cleanup. This initiative brought together a group of passionate students who generously volunteered their time and energy to clear the school grounds of litter and debris, leading to a noticeable improvement in the overall environment.

“This actually is the first year that the ENACT club has done this official Campus Cleanup,” Mr. John Collier, the ENACT club advisor, shared “We had over 20 students come and volunteer which is a great number because it wasn’t really put out to the entire school. This was mostly just the club members and my Environmental Science Classes.”

The Campus Cleanup was not just a local affair but part of the larger Perkiomen Stream Cleanup, a watershed-wide endeavor aimed at removing trash, tires, and debris from nearby waterways, parks, and open spaces. This noble cause drew an impressive response, with 2,000 volunteers signing up across 200 sites in 2024, making it the largest clean-up event in Pennsylvania.

“We already got so much trash, and we haven’t even been out here for very long,” Leyna Andrews said.

“On one hand I’m proud of all of the trash that the volunteers picked up today, but on the other hand I’m disappointed in the amount of trash that they found,” Collier said .

This sentiment was shared by nearly all of the student volunteers, who expressed their thoughts on the amount of trash around the school. 

“I think this is a good way to keep our campus clean because it’s ugly with all of the trash,” Xavier Giles said .

However, the significance of this initiative extends beyond just visual appeal. North Penn High School’s drainage system directly feeds into the Towamencin Creek, a tributary of the Perkiomen Creek.

Therefore, each piece of trash removed from the school premises contributed directly to maintaining the cleanliness and health of the entire Perkiomen watershed, highlighting the interconnected nature of local ecosystems.

The Watershed Conservancy played a crucial role by providing essential resources like trash bags and gloves. Moreover, they ensured the proper disposal of the waste collected during and after the event. This support was crucial in enabling members of the ENACT Club, alongside other dedicated volunteers, to carry out their tasks efficiently. 

The commitment of these volunteers was evident as they dedicated their time during 7th and 8th period and even had the option to extend their efforts after school—a testament to their dedication to environmental stewardship.

“I would like it if people made stuff like this more known… It should be announced more,” Aurora Pembroke suggested.

These insights underscore the critical role of education and outreach in fostering environmental consciousness among students and the broader community. The success of the Campus Cleanup not only revitalized the school’s appearance but also grew a sense of environmental responsibility and community engagement among students. 

This event serves as a springboard for future initiatives aimed at preserving and enhancing our natural surroundings, ensuring a sustainable and healthier environment for all.

“I definitely had more fun than I thought I would,” Julius Weathers remarked.

Students were able to spend time with their friends and classmates while cleaning up the surroundings of their high school. 

“This is likely to become a new yearly tradition,” Collier predicted.