Teen Inspires Interest In Pollinators: Albany Star Student

ALBANY, NY — Star Students are found in classrooms, on concert and theater stages and at debate lecterns, and out in the community doing good things to make life better for all of us.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize Star Students, and we’re working to tell the stories of these outstanding kids to their neighbors.

This submission comes from the adult co-founder of the nonprofit South End Butterfly Sanctuar, who nominated Olivia Rose in Albany.

Star local student’s name

Olivia Rose

Star local student’s home state

New York

Why do you believe the star local student should be recognized?

The South End is a densely urban neighborhood with much poverty and racial tensions. Starting at age 13, resident Olivia Rose, age 14, is Founder of the South End Butterfly Sanctuary (SEBS) mission to maintain a Monarch Butterfly Way Station and offer ecology opportunities to inspire and encourage Albany's inner city residents' interest in pollinators and ecological stewardship. In addition she manages & organizes the Albany Pollinator Day Celebration, a well received annual event she created. (Over 150 people attended her first celebration event) Her work has inspired college thesis students, community groups, local elementary students, and she has been featured as a young spokesperson in the plight of monarchs. Now at 15 years old, she is a first time urban beekeeper to help pollination in the neighborhood and has additionally written grants resulting in materials to install a nature kiosk featuring a bulletin board and the SEBS logo which she designed. She has created videos that have been shared nationally by industry professionals. (FYI- pollinators are vital to our food supply, our soil health, and helping to lower food injustice) She has big more ideas for our community in the next few years as well.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the star local student?

Olivia is Albany's Monarch Whisper and a youth taking action to reduce food injustice and increase ecology opportunities to inspire and encourage Albany's inner city residents' interest in pollinators and ecological stewardship.

Congratulations on your achievements, and all of our best wishes to you in the future, Olivia!

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