Delilah benn
Co-Founder
My name is Delilah Benn and I am currently a junior at Greenwich Academy. I have always thrived in the outdoors and found serenity in the ocean. I am a PADI certified scuba diver and have seen the direct effects of plastic pollution during my dives. Most frequently, I see single-use plastic bottles—from the Pacific to the Atlantic. Through Green Greenwich, I launched the Tap Map project to urge my own community to become more environmentally friendly when it comes to single-use plastic bottles.
I am currently also a volunteer with food rescue, picking up and delivering food donations to organizations such as Neighbor to Neighbor who supply meals to families in need. This summer I plan to intern at Macrae Skye, a sustainable clothing brand, researching ways to prevent textile waste. I also will be beginning research for my independent study next year, creating an alternative to Plumpy nut which treats and cures acute malnutrition in children.
Asher benn
Co-Founder
My name is Asher Benn and I am currently a senior at Brunswick High School. I love exploring the outdoors and frequently go backpacking and camping. I am President of the Brunswick Outdoors Club and a Senior Leader for the Brunswick Trust program, an outdoor education program for sophomores that nourishes leadership skills and an appreciation of our environment. I am also a member of the First Selectman’s Youth Commission and President of the Brunswick Midnight Run Club.
This past summer, I obtained my Wilderness First Responders Certification and worked at Dunkin’ Donuts. I also conducted research on local environmental mitigation and environmental ethics with NYU Professor Chrisopher Schlottmann. I am deeply passionate about environmental science and making an impact in my community. By launching Green Greenwich, I hope to combine all of my skills, interests, and networks to create lasting change.
Georgia Schmitz
Ambassador
My name is Georgia Schmitz, and I am a current Junior at Greenwich Academy. I love spending time outside playing sports and walking my dogs. I have become increasingly more aware of the effects of pollution in aiding the acceleration of global warming, and want to do as much as I can to help mitigate this change so that future generations can also enjoy the outdoors as much as I do. I volunteer with Food Rescue, a platform that connects surplus food from local restaurants to nonprofits in need.
This summer, I’m interning at Macrae Skye, a sustainable clothing company, working on the marketing side, researching ways to encourage customers to choose ethically-made clothing that minimizes waste and uses environmentally friendly materials. At school, I’m a member of Global Scholars, a three-year program that focuses on developing students’ global awareness and leadership skills. For my research project, I’m looking “behind the scenes” into fast fashion, researching the exploitation of child labor and environmental degradation through excessive waste, pollution, and unsustainable resource use.
Sameera Madan
Ambassador
My name is Sameera Madan and I am currently a Junior at Greenwich High School. Over the past few years I began pursuing a future in environmental sciences. I have recently started a youth-led advocacy group which promotes access to education and environmental awareness. This summer I completed an internship at the Bruce Museum’s Seaside Center where I educated the public about the Long Island Sound ecosystem. I also researched textile waste and led donation drives and public service events. By joining Green Greenwich, I hope to make a lasting impact while gathering community involvement as well.
Lauren Hawks
My name is Lauren Hawks and I am a current Junior at Greenwich Academy. I grew up loving the outdoors and have grown an increasing admiration for the environment throughout my high school career. I am a PADI-certified advanced diver and coral reef conservationist. I spend my free time volunteering at the Bruce Park seaside center and participating in the Sound Waters Research Intensive. I also recently started a blog where I talk about my involvement in the bettering of our environment as well as discussing current environmental issues.
This summer I plan to continue my volunteer work at the seaside center and work on an animal refuge to conserve and study a species of endangered turtles. By joining Green Greenwich, I hope to use my experience to educate others and contribute to making Greenwich a sustainable and environmentally aware community.
Ambassador
Jack Morningstar
Ambassador
My name is Jack Morningstar and I am currently a Junior at Brunswick High School. I have always loved the outdoors and want to do everything in my power to help preserve our environment and lessen the effects of climate change. At school, I am a member of the Science Research Program, where I focus my scientific abilities onto bettering the local Greenwich Ecosystem. My research on oyster larval settlement received an award of second place in the Connecticut Science Fair and additionally earned several other special awards for my dedication to preserving local marine habitats. I am the President of the Building One Community Club at Brunswick, where I use my ability to speak Spanish to help immigrants gain citizenship and learn English when first moving to the US.
This summer, I plan to continue my research on oyster settlement patterns through field testing, where I hope to isolate new ways to protect oyster reefs in New England.
