By Barona DiNapoli, Exeter High School Senior

The trek from my car into school at 7:15am is not typically an enjoyable experience. On this particular December morning, the air was sharp and biting. When I finally reached the refuge of the Exeter High School foyer, an unusual commotion caught me off guard. Among the students rushing to their first period class was a trail of solar panels being carried up to the second floor of the building. As I stood there and marveled at the new addition to our school’s energy source, I felt proud. I was proud of my school for making this economically and environmentally-conscious decision. I was proud; for a moment.

The brush of someone’s backpack brought my thoughts back to the hurrying of people around me. It was in this instant that I realized what was wrong with this picture; what had been significantly overlooked. Just about 1600 students currently attend EHS, yet how many of these teens are personally impacted by these solar panels? Of course, I certainly don’t mean to minimize the impact of this new solar PV system. Instead, I hope to push the SAU16 administration further. Clearly the school board values environmentally-friendly practices. Why not incorporate these values into the curriculum? The opportunities are endless with the sheer manpower at EHS.

Oftentimes, teenagers are portrayed as ignorant and apathetic individuals. However, I am now challenging my fellow students at EHS to take a stand for their environment. Perhaps start a bike-to-school campaign to reduce the amount of car traffic and carbon-dioxide emissions at our school? Or urge your peers to reuse the backsides of an old notebook, instead of buying a new one. Work with the athletic director to make recycle bins more readily available at sporting events and other school functions.

These solar panels aren’t just a way for our school to reduce our impact on the environment. Instead, it is a learning experience and a source of inspiration for students. I am hopeful that this new PV system will start a trend of environmental consciousness at EHS, and throughout the community.