Alpenglow Students Take the Lead in Earth Day Run

A Run to Remember at Alpenglow School

Alpenglow School students raised an impressive $5,335.75 in support of Guardians of the Ice during this year’s Earth Day Run, April 30, 2025, marking the third annual event that blends physical activity, environmental education, and student leadership. The run, now a much-anticipated tradition, brought together students, families, staff, and community members in a celebration of environmental stewardship and local action.

What began three years ago as a small idea sparked by a talk on climate change and trail running has grown into a powerful expression of student initiative. Grade 5/6 teacher Noer Wuisman shared that the inspiration came after hearing about an ultra-running race in Bhutan to raise awareness of glacial melt. 

“The next day I brought the idea to my students and together we imagined how we could do something meaningful right here, in our own backyard,” she said.

Each year since its inception, the Earth Day Run has been driven by the leadership of Alpenglow’s Gr. 5/6 students. From researching local environmental organizations to selecting a cause and presenting their choice to younger students, they have shaped every part of the event. This year, students chose Guardians of the Ice, inspired in part by the international designation of 2024 as the Year of the Glacier. The decision offered a meaningful way to deepen their understanding of climate science and freshwater conservation while supporting a local initiative with global relevance.

In preparation, students created logos for participation certificates, painted hand-made trail signs with messages about environmental stewardship, and wrote and performed skits to explain how the run works. These presentations encouraged younger students to get involved and helped build school-wide enthusiasm. The event also became a celebration of creativity, as students arrived in imaginative Earth-themed costumes that brought the trail to life with butterflies, trees, squirrels, and superheroes. Parents, too, played a meaningful role, volunteering, cheering from the sidelines, and preparing Earth Day-themed treats that added to the festive atmosphere.

The sense of joy and community continued at a May 12 assembly, where representatives from Guardians of the Ice accepted the fundraising cheque and shared how the funds will support the creation of a new children’s space in the Glacier Gallery at the Athabasca Glacier. As part of the project, a plaque will be installed to recognize Alpenglow School’s contributions that will proudly read, “Created by Youth for Youth.” Their presentation gave students a clear view of the real-world impact of their efforts. Adding to the celebration, a Gr. 6 student jury was tasked with revealing the recipient of a new costume award. After thoughtful deliberation, they chose Kindergarten student Isabella K. for her originality and Earth Day spirit. 

One of the assembly’s most moving moments, however, came as Grade 2 student Colton T. accepted his second Environmental Stewardship Certificate of Excellence, having raised $880 for Guardians of the Ice. “Water is important. I want to keep it for the future,” Colton said. “Next year I want to raise $1,500.” His family’s support, and the pride they felt watching the presentation, echoed the shared commitment of the broader school community.

The Earth Day Run has become much more than a fundraiser. It offers students a meaningful, hands-on opportunity to apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world challenges. By blending curriculum outcomes with purposeful action, Alpenglow School is nurturing a sense of agency, citizenship, and care for the natural world. Ultimately for students, the experience shows that even small steps taken close to home can help protect the places they love most.