GERSTELL ACADEMY
LEADERSHIP • HONOR • COURAGE

Earth Day 2025 at Gerstell Academy: A Celebration of Environmental Education, Student Leadership, and Community Engagement

On April 23, 2025, Gerstell Academy hosted a school-wide Earth Day celebration at the Carroll County Farm Museum, bringing together students from Pre-K through 12th grade for a day of environmental learning, leadership development, and community connection. This signature event exemplified Gerstell’s mission to cultivate leadership, character, and service through hands-on educational experiences. 
 
Organized in cross-divisional teams, each led by a Gerstell senior, students engaged in a variety of interactive Earth Day activities designed to inspire environmental stewardship and foster teamwork. From STEM learning stations to service projects, the day showcased the Academy’s commitment to experiential education. 
 
Hands-On Environmental Learning Activities 
  • Sustainable Agriculture & Technology: Representatives from Weaver Seed introduced students to modern farming equipment, including tractors, sprayers, and drones. Students took turns flying the drones, learning how technology is shaping sustainable agricultural practices. 
  • Recycling & Creative Reuse: At another station, students sorted recyclable materials by hand, learning the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle. Reclaimed items were transformed into art projects that will be displayed at the upcoming Lower School STEAM Night. 
  • Outdoor Literacy & Healthy Eating: The Carroll County Public Library hosted nature-themed story time sessions beneath the trees, while students snacked on locally grown apples from Baugher’s Orchard, reinforcing lessons in local agriculture and nutrition. 
  • Environmental Science & Conservation: Students explored bioretention systems, learned about the local watershed, and hiked the Maryland wilderness trail, where they examined animal tracks and fur pelts—linking classroom science to the real world. 
  • Pollinator Education: Local beekeeper Gina Wah introduced students to bee conservation, demonstrating tools of the trade and sharing the ecological importance of pollinators through an interactive model hive presentation. 
  • Living History Experiences: Students toured the Farm Museum’s artisan exhibits, including blacksmithing, spinning, and woodworking—gaining insight into Maryland’s rural heritage and traditional craftsmanship. 
 Community Service and Leadership in Action 
 
In alignment with Gerstell Academy’s leadership principles, each student participated in a community service project by planting flowers to be donated to Atlee Hill Nursing Home. This initiative was led by the Falcon Outreach program, emphasizing the importance of compassion, responsibility, and giving back. 
 
A Model of Experiential Learning and Environmental Stewardship 
 
Earth Day 2025 at Gerstell Academy was more than just a celebration—it was a living lesson in environmental responsibility, student leadership, and community involvement. Through meaningful, hands-on activities, students gained a deeper appreciation for the planet and their role as future leaders. 
We are proud of the collaborative efforts of our students, faculty, and community partners who made this event a powerful and memorable experience. 
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