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It is truly an exciting time to be a Rainforest Ambassador. Recent efforts by second graders at a Virginia elementary school proved just how effective youth can be at saving wildlife and inspiring others to make a difference.

Rainforest Ambassadors at Creighton’s Corner Elementary School in Ashburn, VA recently raised over $2,000 to protect Forest Elephants, Chimpanzees, and other endangered species. As part of Loudoun County’s One to the World Project, eight second grade classes chose ‘Save the Rainforest’ as the theme for a week-long campaign benefitting Rainforest Trust’s Urgent project in Gola, Liberia. Their campaign directly tied into their habitat unit and 2nd grade state exams, serving to both educate students and celebrate the rainforest.

As teacher Lee Ann Canada said, “We chose Rainforest Trust because of their great work and their high rating among charities.”

With enthusiastic leadership from their teachers, the second graders developed creative ways to protect the rainforest. Students made morning announcements to create awareness of their project and to encourage fellow students to bring “change to make a change.” They also had a spirit week called Rockin’ the Rainforest with themes for each day, including dressing up as their favorite rainforest animal. The second grade challenged the entire school to raise money and held a competition amongst grade levels.

Their principal, Mr. Knott, purchased donuts and coffee that students delivered to teachers for donations. Many students emptied their piggy banks in order to save the rainforest. In total, the second grade raised $2,260, saving nearly 6,000 acres of vital habitat in Liberia.

The second graders were clearly excited about conservation and were curious to know about the animals they were protecting .To show appreciation for Creighton’s Corner’s wonderful efforts, Conservation Outreach Assistant Allie Nelson gave a special presentation on Gola, along with a Q+A session. The students are great Rainforest Ambassadors, proving that no matter what your age, you can make a difference.
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Rainforest Trust would like to thank Creighton’s Corner students and staff, including Mrs. Fishman, Mrs. Creech, Mrs. Snead, Mrs. Haller, Mrs. Walker, Mrs. Braudawa, Ms. Christie, Mrs. Canada, Mrs. Brown, Mrs. Herbstritt and Mr.McGuigan.