Alex Wang, Junior, Lake Oswego High School: “I am excited to work with Our Future Program and collaborate with people of the same interest to address environmental issues and spread social awareness on sustainability. In addition, I hope to extend beyond my current interest in engineering and computer science, with initiatives and projects that can make an impact on my community and my school.”

Amelia Prins, Junior, South Salem High School: “I am excited for our work at Our Future because I love being around nature and animals, and I want to do whatever I can to protect Oregon’s natural beauty around us. I enjoy nature by hiking, camping, traveling, spending time with animals, and running cross country. I hope that we will be able to start moving my school and city towards a more sustainable future. I can’t wait to see what we get to do this year!”

 Avery Erdmann, Sophomore, West Salem High School: “I’m a part of the Environmental Club at my school, and I love the idea that Our Future allows students to take on leadership roles towards climate action. This year, I’m hoping to connect with students outside of my school to start some new projects.”

Chloe Gilmore, Sophomore, Lincoln High School: “I’m passionate about finding and implementing solutions to issues regarding social and environmental justice because it impacts our world on all levels. I hope to inspire others to take action and spread messages of environmental activism while uplifting others’ voices.”
Cora Turner, Freshman, Ashland High School: “I’m so excited to be working with Our Future. I’ve always been passionate about climate issues and social justice. Our Future has been extremely helpful in letting me affect change at my school. I love working with other students across Oregon to better our state. ”
Erika Leung, Sophomore, Lincoln High School: “I am passionate about environmental and social justice, as well as student civic engagement. Through Our Future, I hope to build a stronger community that’s committed to providing sustainable solutions to the climate issue.”

Esther Solomon, Senior, Centennial High School: “I am grateful to connect with other Oregonian students over environmental justice. Community provides a bright path for our future; I hope our sustainability focus in our counties and schools will inspire more of us to become intentional in fighting climate change.”

John Bateman, Sophomore, West Salem High School: I am excited to be a part of Our Future because I want to help my school become more focused  on doing its part to help solve environmental issues. I am also looking forward to working with other students all across the state who are attempting to accomplish the same thing.”
Kamorah Lake, Sophomore, Willamette High School: “I feel so honored to be a part of this group for the first time! Growing up, I wasn’t very aware of climate change. I saw and felt how the world had changed, but didn’t realize it was because of humans. So, when I learned about the climate crisis, I promised myself to try to do all I can do to reverse its effects. I applied for this internship to help bring awareness to and to spark progress regarding climate action. I also joined this program so that I could learn more about the climate crisis myself, and be able to have a positive impact on our world. I believe that all students should have a right to climate education, and want to be able to help improve climate justice programs in my school and my community, so everyone can help in this process. I love this world and all the beauty in it so much, and want to be able to preserve it for generations to come.”

Lily Yao, Freshman, South Eugene High: “I am passionate about the advancement of social and climate justice as well as youth leadership. Our Future gives me the opportunity to work with these causes and I look forward to working with like minded peers all across the state of Oregon!”

Melissa Miranda, Sophomore, Early College High School: “I look forward to participating in Our Future as a youth! I believe this is an opportunity for our voices to be heard. I hope to learn and share my knowledge regarding climate justice with others.”

Will Mowry, Freshman, Bend High School: “I am super excited to work with Our Future to make a difference in my community, and to help make impactful changes in how we fight climate change! The environment and natural world have always been a huge part of my life, and I want to make sure that other kids in the future can have these wonderful experiences I have had the privilege of having.”

Zoe Brash, Freshman, Lakeridge High School: “I’ve always been passionate about environmental and equity issues, and I am excited to have this opportunity to help my community through Our Future! I enjoy cooking and fencing in my free time. I hope I can make a lasting impact in my community.”