By Patricia Schallert –
For the tenth consecutive year, students from the Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) are stepping up to combat climate change through innovative ideas. On May 29, 2025, the MERITO Foundation (Multicultural Education for Resource Issues Threatening Oceans), in partnership with Ventura Unified School District, hosted the 10th Annual EECCOA (Energy Efficiency to Mitigate Climate Change and Ocean Acidification) Challenge Awards Ceremony at De Anza Academy of Technology & the Arts (DATA). This event celebrated student innovation and environmental leadership, showcasing 7th–12th grade finalists presenting research-based proposals aimed at reducing their environmental footprint and advocating for the removal of the outdated Matilija Dam from the Ventura River ecosystem.
Students chose from four project themes – Energy Efficiency, Waste Reduction, Water Conservation, and Outreach About the Ecological Benefits of Matilija Dam Removal, allowing them to tackle real-world challenges while applying principles of environmental science and entrepreneurial thinking. “EECCOA gives students a voice and a platform to influence real change,” said Rocio Lozano-Knowlton, Executive Director of the MERITO Foundation, noting that these projects can lead to significant greenhouse gas reductions and thousands of dollars in utility savings.
The ceremony featured welcoming remarks from DATA Principal Clara Ortiz and an inspiring keynote speech by Florencia Ramirez, a public speaker, author of “Eat Less Water”, and environmental activist. Additional comments were made by Council member Liz Campos (District 1) and Michelle Sevilla, Communications Director for Assembly member Steve Bennett (AD-38), both of whom recognized and celebrated the accomplishments of the young environmentalists.
Among them were Lily Robertson and Camila Rea, 8th graders and dedicated students, passionate about energy efficiency. Their project, “Power Pair” focused on improving insulation in Lily’s home and with summer heat looming and winter chill around the corner, Lily said their aim was to reduce her family’s reliance on air conditioning and heating. They diligently researched the costs, benefits, and potential savings, finally concluding that enhanced insulation was the most effective way to save energy.
Both girls enjoyed the process and agreed that “turning what could have been a daunting task into a fun and educational experience.”
Meanwhile, eighth graders, Peyton Bryant and Traeger Larson set their sights on replacing all the non-LED lights in Peyton’s home with energy-efficient LED bulbs. Each LED light consumed a mere 4 watts per hour compared to the 62 watts used by traditional bulbs. They conducted a thorough comparison of the two lighting systems, documenting the differences in efficiency and energy usage. Peyton particularly enjoyed “tracking the outages of non-LED lights and showcasing his findings in an informative slideshow.”
Not to be outdone, as part of their mission to give back to their school, Jasmin and Madeleine also initiated a garden water conservation project. They proposed adding water barrels to the garden, which would not only provide plants with necessary hydration but also help preserve water and prevent flooding around the school. they found that “with an estimated capacity of 3,000 gallons, the barrels aimed to rescue precious water and sustain the garden dedicated to a beloved teacher who started the garden and has since passed away.”
In a determined initiative to highlight the environmental impact of the Matilija Dam, students Mia Kouremetis and Christopher Sullivan embarked on a mission that began with a simple survey. They sought to gauge local awareness of the dam and its implications for the ecosystem. To their surprise, “many respondents were unaware of the dam’s existence or the issues it posed.”
Through their survey, Mia and Christopher learned that the Matilija Dam contributes to sediment buildup, disrupting the natural flow of the Ventura River while inhibiting the creation of a thriving ecosystem. They soon recognized that increasing awareness of these environmental issues was essential for gaining community support for the removal of the dam. “We want a natural river flow that supports wildlife and the local environment,” Mia explained. “It’s essential for the community to understand the effects of the dam, so we can advocate for change effectively.”
With a plan forming, Mia and Christopher decided to create an Instagram account dedicated to spreading awareness about the dam. Their goal they said “was to inform the public about both the pros and cons of having the dam in place and we found that a lot of people are simply on the fence; they might say ‘maybe’ when asked if they see it as a problem,” Christophe added. “Our first step is to get accurate information out there.”
Teachers played a vital role in the initiative by integrating EECCOA themes into their curricula, thereby fostering a hands-on approach to environmental education. By engaging students in various projects, they nurtured a sense of responsibility and advocacy for sustainability. This collaboration not only enhanced students’ understanding of ecological issues but also motivated them to take meaningful action within their communities. Through innovative lesson plans, teachers inspired the next generation of environmental guardians.
