We are excited to announce that Zachary Sommer, a 2022 graduate of All Saints Episcopal Day School, has been awarded a grant from the Youth Climate Action Fund. Zachary is one of 11 young leaders in Hoboken to receive funding for youth-led climate initiatives, with grants ranging from $2,500 to $5,000. These microgrants, funded by a $50,000 grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies, support innovative projects addressing critical environmental challenges in our community.
Zachary’s project focuses on urban gardening, aiming to enhance green spaces and promote sustainable gardening practices in the city. He will be developing a hydroponic and urban gardening system at All Saints, which will produce fresh vegetables for the Hoboken Shelter and St. Matthew’s Lunchtime Ministry. To support his efforts, Mr. Sal Silvestri, All Saints’ middle school science teacher, will be collaborating with Zachary. Mr. Silvestri, who taught Zachary during his time at All Saints, joined the community in 2019. With a background as a Lead Wildlife Biologist in Northern California’s Coastal Redwood region, his expertise in environmental education will greatly benefit Zachary’s project.
Amanda Dillon, Director of Intermediate and Middle Grades, expressed her admiration for the continued dedication of All Saints alumni, highlighting the school’s lasting impact: “It’s truly inspiring to see our alumni working to further the core values of the school,” she said. Reflecting on Zachary’s achievements, Amanda added, “Zachary’s commitment to leadership, service, and environmental stewardship demonstrates the enduring value of an All Saints education in fostering changemakers.”
Additionally, alum Dylan Zajac has been awarded a grant for his nonprofit, Computers4People. Inspired by the service initiatives at All Saints, Dylan founded the organization to provide refurbished computers to underserved communities, promoting digital inclusion and access to technology. His work reflects the lasting influence of the school’s commitment to service and social responsibility.
At All Saints, we strive to nurture students who are not only committed to personal excellence but also feel a deep responsibility toward our planet. We foster a love of learning and a sense of purpose through social action and service. The projects led by Zachary and Dylan are excellent examples of how our mission comes to life, showcasing their dedication to making a positive impact on the world.For more information about these exciting projects, visit: www.hobokennj.gov/resources/youth-climate-action-fund.October 2, 2024
