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Tenth climate symposium sets inspiring example for a sustainable future
Ransom Everglades celebrated a decade of climate solutions on April 22 at the 10th annual Ransom Everglades Climate Symposium, once again illustrating the inspiring power of student creativity, research and advocacy for building a sustainable future. This year's event featured a keynote address by Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, a record number of interdisciplinary projects from both campuses, an eco-fair and a zero-waste meal. Head of the Middle School Pete Di Pace described the annual festival of learning as "an authentic showcase for putting more in the world than you take from it."
Each of RE's sixth graders proposes, plans and implements a multi-faceted interdisciplinary climate solution and then presents the results via a research poster at the symposium. Students from other grades are also invited to participate, and a record number of upper school projects were displayed in 2026.
Sixth graders and their families gather in the Lewis Family Auditorium before the poster showcase to hear from speakers and learn about fellow students' projects. Mayor Levine Cava asked the students to allow her to join their team of Climate Crusaders. "I count on you," the mayor said from the podium. "You give me hope. I know you're bold; I know you're compassionate; I know you're smart; I know you will challenge the status quo."
Director of Environmental Sustainability Kelly Jackson and Middle School Science Coordinator Brooke Gintert founded and run the signature event at RE, supported by dedicated faculty members, professional community members and Head of School Rachel Rodriguez.
Several sixth-grade students stepped up to the microphone to share information about their research: Lia Kamar '32, Penny Stein '32, Ella Cooper '32, Charlie Kaufman '32, Silvena Veras '32, Nevin Rhyner '32 and Lele Suarez-Fortunati '32. Faris Taha '32 was named the winner of the environmental film contest. Tomas Jimenez '28 led the zero-waste meal/composting initiative.
"Tonight's spotlight really belongs to our sixth-grade students presenting their interdisciplinary climate solutions, the culmination of their work and their science and their world geography and civics classes," Jackson said. "What makes their work so special is that every sixth-grade student focused on a solution to climate change or an environmental problem. That shift from problem to possibility is what makes this night so powerful."
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Sixth graders and their families gather in the Lewis Family Auditorium before the poster showcase to hear from speakers and learn about fellow students' projects. Mayor Levine Cava asked the students to allow her to join their team of Climate Crusaders. "I count on you," the mayor said from the podium. "You give me hope. I know you're bold; I know you're compassionate; I know you're smart; I know you will challenge the status quo."
Director of Environmental Sustainability Kelly Jackson and Middle School Science Coordinator Brooke Gintert founded and run the signature event at RE, supported by dedicated faculty members, professional community members and Head of School Rachel Rodriguez.
Several sixth-grade students stepped up to the microphone to share information about their research: Lia Kamar '32, Penny Stein '32, Ella Cooper '32, Charlie Kaufman '32, Silvena Veras '32, Nevin Rhyner '32 and Lele Suarez-Fortunati '32. Faris Taha '32 was named the winner of the environmental film contest. Tomas Jimenez '28 led the zero-waste meal/composting initiative.
"Tonight's spotlight really belongs to our sixth-grade students presenting their interdisciplinary climate solutions, the culmination of their work and their science and their world geography and civics classes," Jackson said. "What makes their work so special is that every sixth-grade student focused on a solution to climate change or an environmental problem. That shift from problem to possibility is what makes this night so powerful."
Middle School
2045 South Bayshore Drive, Coconut Grove, FL 33133Phone: 305 250 6850
Upper School
3575 Main Highway, Coconut Grove, FL 33133Phone: 305 460 8800
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Founded in 1903, Ransom Everglades School is a coeducational, college preparatory day school for grades 6 - 12 located on two campuses in Coconut Grove, Florida. It is rated the top private school in Miami and among the 10 private schools in North America. Ransom Everglades School produces graduates who "believe that they are in the world not so much for what they can get out of it as for what they can put into it." The school provides rigorous college preparation that promotes the student's sense of identity, community, personal integrity and values for a productive and satisfying life, and prepares the student to lead and to contribute to society.
Ransom Everglades School®, The RE Way®, RE Pathways® and Bowden Fellowships in the Humanities™ are trademarks of Ransom Everglades School.
Ransom Everglades School®, The RE Way®, RE Pathways® and Bowden Fellowships in the Humanities™ are trademarks of Ransom Everglades School.