Kristen Haley, a middle school science teacher at Father Andrew White, S.J. School in Leonardtown, received a surprise visit March 13 from WUSA9 meteorologist Topper Shutt and Andre Francis, director of strategic communications at Washington Gas. The two were on hand to present Haley with a $5,000 Eco Challenge Grant to fund an environmental science project aimed at restoring local aquatic vegetation.
The grant, part of a collaboration between WUSA9 and Washington Gas, supports student-led initiatives that promote environmental stewardship and education. Haley, who holds a degree in environmental science and a master’s degree in education, will use the funds to develop a submerged aquatic vegetation project with her students. The project involves growing native underwater grasses in a classroom environment before transplanting them into Breton Bay, a nearby tributary of the Potomac River.
“Our school is just a short walk from Breton Bay,” Haley said. “My hope is that we can grow this vegetation in our classroom and then transplant it into the bay with the help of our students and the community.”
The entire school gathered in the gymnasium under the impression they were there to support the school band ahead of an upcoming competition. Students and faculty cheered when Haley was brought in, unaware of the recognition she was about to receive.
The moment the grant was announced, the gym erupted in applause and cheers. Students stood, clapped and celebrated their teacher’s recognition. The excitement continued throughout the morning and into lunch, as students greeted Haley in the hallways with congratulations. Several called out, “Congratulations, Ms. Haley!” as she passed.
The idea for the project began with a fish tank now located in Haley’s classroom, which she inherited from the school’s former media specialist. Since then, Haley has transformed the tank into a hands-on learning tool. Students have contributed to the tank’s ecosystem by bringing in oysters, mussels, mud crabs and even a blue crab, which lived in the tank for several months.
The tank now holds five Atlantic silverside fish, shellfish and several invertebrates. Haley noted that while the tank will continue to be used for classroom learning, the new vegetation will likely require a separate setup.
“The grasses need a bit of soil and a shallow amount of water,” she said. “Once we get them started, we’d like to make observations, monitor their progress and eventually transplant them into the local waterways.”
Students shared their excitement about the project. Seventh grader Jack Tritschler, whose favorite subjects are math and science, said, “It’s a really cool project, and hopefully it becomes a real community thing. We can help out our local ecosystem.”
Sixth grader Cecilia Hinkle, who collected oysters for the tank from her family’s dock, described the school as an “open place” with kind teachers. “Science is my favorite subject,” she said.
Seventh grader Abby Redding also expressed enthusiasm for the project and her school, adding that she appreciates the welcoming environment and the Catholic education she receives.
Haley teaches science to students in grades six through eight daily and leads science labs for students in grades one through three once a week. While middle schoolers will be more directly involved in the environmental project, Haley said she hopes to include younger students as well.
Andre Francis emphasized the importance of environmental education during the surprise presentation.
“It’s imperative for all of us to care for the environment and to bring a lens on how we can partner with schools,” Francis said. “These students are our future. Helping them understand the environment and inspiring innovation at a young age is key.”
The Eco Challenge, developed by WUSA9 and Washington Gas, recognizes local schools for environmentally focused projects and provides continued support through educational resources from the Smithsonian Science Education Center. Haley and her students join other middle school winners across the region who are making an impact through creative, science-based solutions.
Haley said she hopes her students gain a sense of responsibility for the environment and an appreciation for native species.
“People should be mindful when clearing land on their property,” she said. “Only clear what’s absolutely necessary, and when planting, always consider native species that support our local ecosystem.”
Outside the classroom, Haley enjoys spending time outdoors, often visiting local sites such as Solomons Island, Greenwell State Park and Historic Sotterley.
The Father Andrew White School community is preparing for the next phase of the project, which will involve students cultivating aquatic grasses in the classroom before transplanting them into Breton Bay.
