At NDB, a big part of a student’s junior year is creating a capstone project, a chance for students to explore a topic they are passionate about and find a way to make a positive impact on the world. The unique format of these projects allows students to collaborate and research a problem that they see while also finding a new way to make a difference and contribute to their community.
Students start working on their projects at the start of the first semester and continue making progress throughout the year. The projects begin as a simple idea of something that students believe needs changing. Once they solidify a plan, they find an adult mentor to aid with their work as well as build in a community service component to their work. This may include working with a local organization, creating a website or organizing an event. By avoiding simply volunteering, students gain experience in creating something of their own, instead of participating in an event that has already been established.
Junior Adeline Ventura focused her project on plastic pollution in the ocean and decided to work with a local middle school.
“I’m going to go to a middle school and work with kids. The kids are going to help pick up trash around their school, and then we’re going to make a piece of artwork out of the trash and have it displayed at a public building to hopefully leave a lasting impact on the community,” said Ventura.
Ventura has combined both her passion for helping the ocean and her local community to design this meaningful project.
The juniors will celebrate their hard work by presenting their projects in the dining hall on Tuesday, April 23.
