Dripping Springs ISD junior cleans campus, awarded national scholarship

DRIPPING SPRINGS    —  Deval Vazir has a passion for environmental conservation, which stems from a belief in the importance of protecting the planet for future generations. And she has been working to encourage her peers to do their part in helping save the environment.

The Dripping Springs High School junior was recently awarded the National Society of High School Scholars Foundation (NSHSS) Earth Day Scholarship, which recognizes students who actively raise awareness and protect the planet through projects and activities in their schools and communities.

“I was honored to receive the NSHSS Foundation Earth Day Scholarship, which recognizes students who are making significant contributions to environmental conservation,” Vezir said. “The scholarship will support my continued education in college and help me fund my future.”

As an officer of the Leaders of Environmental Awareness and Protection Club (LEAP) at her school, Vazir organizes and participates in environmental cleanups. She coordinates these cleanups and meetings with other officers and club members and ensures the availability of trash bags, gloves and other essential supplies. While LEAP helps to remove plastic bottles, old homework assignments and other tossed-out items, these school cleanups actively involve the student body in environmental responsibility, creating a sense of pride and connection to the environment.

“Through initiatives like monthly school cleanups and educational activities, we try to make a positive impact on our local environment and inspire others to join us in creating a more sustainable world,” Vazir said. “Through this club, the school can take a small step into creating a more eco-friendly world. By spreading awareness through LEAP, more individuals can be environmentally conscious and take small steps to protect the environment after learning about the impact of their actions in LEAP."

In a time “marked by pressing environmental challenges,” having a club like LEAP at DSHS is crucial, Vezir said. It allows for students to have a platform to learn about environmental issues, take action and contribute to positive change.

Vezir became a member of LEAP when she first entered high school and she assumed the role of an office this year: “Serving as an officer has been an incredibly rewarding experience, allowing me to further pursue my passion for environmental advocacy and make a difference within my school,” she said.

Her initial inspiration to save the environment “comes from learning about the alarming impacts of climate change and pollution on our planet.” Additionally, her environmental science teacher, who is the sponsor of the LEAP Club, has motivated her to take action and make a difference. Vezir described that her teacher’s passion and dedication to the environment serves as a reminder of the importance of collective efforts to address environmental challenges.

In addition to participating in LEAP activities like school cleanups, Vezir also practices sustainable habits in her daily life, including reducing waste, conserving energy and supporting eco-friendly initiatives.

“Through LEAP, I encourage others to join me in taking small, but meaningful steps toward protecting our environment,” she said.

To learn more about LEAP, visit the club’s Instagram page at www.instagram.com/dshs.leapclub.