Earth Day 2025: Valuing Our Oneness with the Earth at St. Agnes
Join St. Agnes Academy in celebrating Earth Day 2025. Learn how our students are inspired and educated through community involvement to power our planet with purpose.
Written by Tess Pacetti ‘26
Every year on April 22, billions of people worldwide unite to celebrate Earth Day and spread awareness on global environmental issues. Young and old community members gather to protect our valuable resources for the success of future generations.
Focusing on initiatives to power our planet and inspire youth, Earth Day is a significant event that St. Agnes Academy strives to integrate into our educational mission through our commitment to social justice. Learn more about how we’re celebrating Earth Day 2025 this year!
Establishment of National Earth Day Celebration
The first-ever national Earth Day celebration was on April 22nd, 1970, in Washington, D.C. From its humble beginnings, this national celebration is centered around environmental advocacy to promote the protection and recognition of Mother Earth and her gifts.
Since then, Earth Day has evolved into a worldwide event, with more than a billion participants advocating for a sustainable future. From park cleanups and tree planting to protests and global climate conferences, advocacy and awareness of environmental sustainability have increased significantly.
At St. Agnes, we aim to integrate environmental stewardship into our education, following our commitment to social justice and community engagement.
Bringing Awareness to Stewardship as an All-Girls Catholic High School
St. Agnes encourages environmental stewardship by educating, inspiring, and empowering its students to take action for environmental protection and advocacy in their community.
By promoting environmentally friendly events – such as reusable water bottle stations and free dress days – St. Agnes aims to connect their students with the abundance of Mother Nature and raise a future generation of environmental advocates to protect our sacred resources.
Some examples of past Earth-day themed activities to inspire students include the following.
Reusable Water Bottle Lemonade Station
In previous years, the student government body planned multiple earth-day-themed activities to bring awareness and promote positive change in the community for greater environmental understanding.
One year, this effort included providing a lemonade station for students to access with their reusable water bottles. This event promoted the use of sustainable practices in everyday life that protect the environment.
Promoting eco-friendly decisions in the school allowed for environmental awareness within the student body and increased environmental advocacy. St. Agnes’s mission of education and inspiration was encouraged and exhibited in this student-run and led social event.
Blue, Brown, and Green Free Dress Day
By providing a school-wide environmentally friendly free dress day, St. Agnes made Earth Day accessible and welcome to the entire student body.
Bringing awareness and recognition to the importance of environmental conservation is crucial in preparing future generations for environmental advocacy in the professional setting. St. Agnes and its student body continually strive for inclusivity and a tight-knit sisterhood on campus aimed at education and inspiration.
Educational Email Communication Awareness
A crucial component of Earth Day is the importance of spreading knowledge and awareness about environmental protection while promoting eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives for daily use.
By sending out colorful and informative emails to promote Earth Day activities and the meaning behind April 22nd, St. Agnes continually strives to better inform and educate its students about global issues.
External Earth Day Environmentally Sustainable Practices
Outside of the St. Agnes campus, students have many opportunities to continue making sustainable and eco-friendly decisions. Spreading awareness and responsibility to its students both during school hours and outside is integral in developing a legacy of Academy Women.
Planting Trees and Eco-Friendly Gardens
Students, parents, and St. Agnes faculty can prioritize growing their own herbs or vegetables in a garden. Joining an eco-friendly tree planting initiative or donating time or money to local garden proposals are ways to support and advocate in the community.
Support Local Renewable Energy Efforts
Students searching to advocate for renewable energy resources can research any of the multitude of available advocacy groups within the Houston community and inquire ways to increase their involvement. Volunteering and working within the local community is the best way to promote environmental protection and change.
Reuse, Reduce and Recycle Practices
Practicing correct recycling procedures and spreading awareness within a community is a valuable way to make a significant impact. Sharing information with neighbors and friends is a fantastic method for community involvement and environmental understanding.
Faith-Centered Environmental Support Initiative
As a Catholic school, St. Agnes strives to fully follow our mission statement to help each student “recognize her connectedness with the Earth and responsibility for the protection of all species.”
The Dominican calling encourages future and current St. Agnes alumnae to strive for environmental awareness and action. A desire for sustainable and protective practices is a continuation of the Catholic faith and mission.
Each individual student at St. Agnes is called to a “deep commitment of social justice and making a difference in the world.” The Catholic role of stewardship of the Earth encourages the faithful to use God’s great gifts responsibly and consciously for the betterment of others and God’s kingdom.
We are the caretakers and morally responsible protectors of Mother Earth and have a deep-rooted moral obligation to preserve and honor God’s creation through action and advocacy.
Educational Involvement and Connection with Environmental Awareness
Educational programs offered at St. Agnes are avenues for environmental advocacy and awareness to inform and inspire the next generation of St. Agnes graduates. From science to artistic expression, St. Agnes strives to follow its mission of social justice and sustainable stewardship within the local community.
STEM and Science Based Classes
The STEM curriculum at St. Agnes allows students to explore the possibilities of an environmentally focused career. Classes such as AP environmental science and oceanography educate and inspire students about potential careers emphasizing sustainability and conservation.
Extracurricular and In-School Club Involvement
Many clubs at St. Agnes foster environmental advocacy and awareness within the community. These clubs, which are run by students for students, are important in encouraging action in the local community and inspiring school-wide sustainable efforts, such as supply drives and eco-friendly activities.
Some examples of environment-focused clubs are:
- Climate Action and Technology Club
- Friendly Fashion Club
- SAA Zoology and Conservation Club
- Sustainable Fashion Club
Importance of Earth Day 2025 and Empowerment of Students
St. Agnes’s dedication to the mission of social justice and sustainable community engagement continues to support and foster environmental initiatives within its community. Through faith-based exploration or student-led club organizations, St. Agnes encourages our students to make meaningful contributions to protecting our earth.
St. Agnes calls YOU to make more sustainable choices and environmentally conscious decisions this Earth Day 2025 in accordance with the Dominican values. Visit our website to learn about who we are and discover other core Dominican values in our educational mission.
