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The Future is Theirs: What Will Our Legacy Be?
July 23, 2019 @ 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Ever wonder what the youth of today think about their environmental legacy? What are they doing to make their voices heard? Come hear three energetic voices from the future of Alabama: La’Tanya Scott, Shehzan Maredia and Pippa Lother.
In a leadership role, La’Tanya Scott is employed by the Cahaba River Society as an environmental educator working with city and county schools to get kids onto the river and conscious of their environment. Also, from Hoover High School, two students have created an initiative called CleanHoover, in hopes of raising awareness and bringing action to environmental concerns in their area. These students, Shehzan Maredia and Pippa Lother, have also been appointed to the Hoover Parks and Recreation Foundation board.
La’Tanya Scott is a skilled outdoor educator and role model who strengthens CRS outreach and service to urban schools and youth of color. She delivers hands-on environmental education programs to students in the classroom and in the field through the Shane Hulsey CLEAN Environmental Education Program. Her intense interest in the Cahaba River, her skills and knowledge, and especially her boundless enthusiasm helps area students understand the importance and wonders of our state. She holds a degree in Environmental Science from Miles College. Even before her graduation, La’Tanya knew she wanted to work in nature and to inspire people to love the outdoors as much as she does. From childhood, she has always had a passion for being outdoors and helping people, and credits her family with strengthening that passion.
Shehzan Maredia was born in Mumbai, India and moved to America when he was seven, meeting his parents for the first time. He has moved over fifteen times from Florida to Texas. As a child he gained an interest in spelling bees, table tennis, math, science and programming. He hopes to explore how interdisciplinary approaches with engineering, biology and physics can revolutionize education, medicine and the environment.
Pippa Lother has lived her entire life in Hoover, Alabama and loves singing. She is a vocalist for Hoover’s First Edition Jazz Band, along with being interested in public relations and communications.
Together Pippa and Shehzan created CleanHoover near the end of 2017. Since its inception, CleanHoover has had over 600 volunteers show up to regular cleanup events. They’ve estimated over 10,000 gallons of trash have been removed from Hoover parks so far. They are currently seeking nonprofit status for CleanHoover with hopes of more cleanups in the future.
Both Pippa and Shehzan have been added to the Hoover Parks and Recreation Foundation board, meaning they will have input on planning environmental initiatives. Both students hope to enact a plan to put recycling bins around the city.