In this season of giving thanks, I would like to express gratitude to many people in the DA community.

I’m personally grateful to those who pass me in cars when I’m riding my bike on Pickett Rd. I hear lots of people say how dangerous it is to ride there, but in fact, I rarely have even a mildly annoying experience. Thanks to everyone who gives me space on the road!

Professionally, I believe Sustainability offers hope for the future, but it requires change in the present. That’s not always a welcome ask in the midst of our fast-paced everyday activities in school, yet the support is overwhelming.

Here are some of the many people I’m grateful to:

• Adam Braude, Kristen Klein, Lanis Wilson, and Michael Ulku-Steiner for allocating funds and making room in their schedules to provide guidance and perspective.
• The many administrators who have given feedback on ideas and drafts and said “yes” to collaboration on projects. 
• Hobson Hogan and the Buildings, Grounds & Sustainability Committee for embracing an expansion of their role. A recent meeting was almost entirely focused on sustainability, and it brought valuable new perspectives to what we’re doing. 
• The Board of Trustees for endorsing a school-wide commitment to sustainability.
• The Facilities Team for their crucial role in implementation of so many sustainability initiatives. 
• The Communications Team who so willingly provides advice, pictures, designs, and publicity, often on short notice.
• Verdina Walker, Jennifer Rose, and others in the Business Office for responding to my many requests for data with unfailing friendliness and efficiency.
• The student leaders who have made so many things happen, including mulch projects, recycling, Sustain-ins, and presentations to fellow students and adult leaders of the school.  
• The many faculty members who express appreciation for the sustainability effort and find such varied ways to connect to it in their curricula.
• Family Association leaders who strive to minimize waste at school events and implement sustainability in that zone that is both personal and school-related.
• The Sustainability Leadership Team–it’s a joy to work with the colleagues, Family Association representatives, and student representatives who collaborate and dedicate time and effort well beyond their other roles in the school .