Schools have faced so many difficulties this year, trying to educate our children in the midst of a huge statewide budget shortfall, that we chose to highlight their accomplishments.

Now, for these five high school seniors a class project became a mission to bring awareness to their classmates and community.

For their senior project: Dakota Herrera, Ashley Hughes, Anna Thrasher, Crystal Hall and Joyce Heckerman took on a national competition to change how their community's habits impact the earth.

With the help of their science teacher, Dr. Cynthia Holland, they took on the challenge of conquering the ill effects of consumption and pollution of the land, water and air.

But what started as a senior project soon spread throughout their school. "We actually have some kids who bring in plastic bottles that they bring in cause we'll recycle it for them if they don't have at their house," said Hughes, who plans to study environmental science in college.

Holland agrees, "Instead of throwing 29,000 bottles which is what out school threw away to begin with now about 50% is being recycled," said Holland.

When you think of how much you consume, it doesn't take much effort to make a difference. Little things like recycling water bottles and using reusable bags can go a long way.

Stacey Samuel