Long Beach Poly Senior Wins Global Environmental Award

LONG BEACH, CA — A senior at Long Beach Poly High School, and the founder of the Long Beach Green Schools Campaign Diana Michaelson was recently recognized with the 2022 International Young Eco-Hero Award from the nonprofit Action for Nature.

In August the Long Beach Unified School District unanimously voted to commit to using 100% clean and renewable energy in its schools after Michaelson and the Green Schools Campaign had been working toward that goal for two years.

“I want my kids to one day experience the magic of nature and the tide pools like I did," Michaelson said. "I want them to watch the crabs skitter across the rocks and see the sea slugs grazing for bits of algae. And the only way they will ever be able to see this is if we take action now.”

Michaelson is one of 16 young environmental activists around the world who were honored with this award. The Eco-Hero Award celebrates activists aged 8 to 16 who are taking steps to tackle environmental issues in their communities. Winners are selected by a panel of judges comprised of experts in environmental science, biology and education.

“Young people like Diana have shown that the next generation of leaders is here, and they are taking action across the globe now to address the climate crisis and solve local, national and global environmental challenges,” said Beryl Kay, President of AFN. “The projects that young people like Diana have created are having real and important impacts on their communities, helping to solve global climate challenges and are inspiring others – including adults – to do what they can to help.”

AFN has recognized more than 341 young activists from over 31 countries with the award since 2003.