the research is already substantiated, but myriad fact checks must be made. “We’ve had to go back and redo the research,” stated Daniel Ginsberg, a friend of Szabo and Pescan, who joined the two after finding out the project was serious. “And that’s perfectly understandable. We’re hoping to eventually work around that and finally present good and significant and well-developed research for when we make the final presentation to either administration or district officials.” No; this project is not any easier than it sounds. There is an abundance of checkpoints and miniscule details that must be figured out before construction can begin. The administration, the district, city planners, and the city council must approve the initiative before it can get underway. Funding is also a major issue; first a company must be chosen and approved, and then
Erin Topping addresses her three classroom CommuniTies leaders, Arther Pescan, Albert Szabo, and Paige Nelson. Nelson became Chief of Staff in the early stages.
proper funding must be achieved, either through grants or bake sales. These factors, as well as several others, caused students to be skeptical. “I think [the fact that] we’ve gotten this far shows people how committed we are to getting it done,” Zsabo said. “Of course there are obstacles, but if you are passionate enough to overcome those obstacles then maybe we’ll get it done.” The trio has set up numerous goals, both short term and long term, some dwarves and some giants. After ski week, the boys have a meeting with Olguin, and then its back to work on the final proposal, which will, if all goes accordingly, be done within the month. After that, its presentation time. Pescan, Ginsberg and Zsabo hope to complete a majority of their work during the third quarter, and meet with officials directly after. Optimistically, the construction will be done by 2016, the year Szabo, Pescan, and Ginsberg graduate. But even though the project will take a long time to be completed, it was the original conception that is truly amazing. “There’s a lot of students that do care about the environment
and are taking the steps to reach out to communities to be more eco-friendly,” Pescan said. “With this approach, we Sophomores Arthur Pescan, Albert Szabo, and Daniel can show the Ginsberg have been working on the solar panel initiative. administration Most of the work is completed outside of class. of the school and the district that we’re serious about this and it’s the students [who] want to change the school and make it better for the future.” Team Period 4 is in the process of accomplishing exactly what the CommuniTies project was designed to do: take a passion and turn it into a way to help the community. “This project represents what our community can really do when working on a project that means something to them, and that gives back,” Topping stated. “This is an example of what people can do when they work hard towards a common goal. With this passion and determination, the boys are willing to put the time and effort to slowly but surely turn this dream into a reality. In this situation, perfection is key; in order to move forward, one must make every step flawless in order to achieve their goal. “As we move forward, we want to perfect everything before we move on and we don’t want to push things too hard,” Ginsberg said, “we want to let things ease in” perfectly so it works. With high hopes for the future, the trio and Team Period 4 work to bring solar panels to CdM. Whatever happens, the hard work and zeal galvanized by the project show exactly what makes CdM special: the capability of its students. “I think this project, even if it doesn’t come to fruition, highlights that our students are capable of thought, care, sincere effort, and kindness ¬-all qualities that we can’t measure by test scores or GPAs. Those are the qualities worth nurturing,” Mrs. Topping saluted her student’s staunch character. “High grades and college acceptance are inconsequential if a person has no character or sense of community.” Topping’s Team Period Four, lead by Zsabo, Pescan, and Ginsberg, is sure to make a lasting difference here at CdM with the solar panel initiative. It certainly will help the environment, and the reputation of our CdM.
17
photos by Elizabeth A. Greenberg (r) & Cleantechnica.com (l)
TRIDENT
March 2014