It is unusual for a freshman to start new club on campus, but in 2019, this is exactly what Jesse Hill did. She completed the paperwork to establish an Emerald Keepers Club on campus and recruited members. When the pandemic hit, she worked with Emerald Keepers’ board and school district administrators to find a plot of land where the club could compost and grow vegetables for food insecure families during the pandemic with co-president senior, Marla Steel. Soon a complete garden complex was up and running -- raised beds, fruit trees, a tool shed, and compost bins. Best of all were the students she organized who came together once a week to tend the plot by composting over 4000 pounds of organic waste, producing vegetables beyond their wildest expectations, and providing a safe space for students to learn and blossom. Last year, the club won the prestigious Superintendent’s Award as the best club at the high school.
Jesse’s devotion, energy, and leadership were almost single-handedly responsible for the club’s success over the past four years. If you visit the garden on Saturday morning, you will hear music playing; the voices of happy, hard-working, dedicated, collaborative club members; and a vibe both unique and beautiful to behold – full of positive energy and life.
Last year, there was an opportunity for nonprofits to take part in a school internship program where students could earn high school credit. Jesse, along with 12 members of her club applied to be interns with Emerald Keepers in addition to their club responsibilities. The interns worked our educational booths --talking with thousands of people at various events—and introduced speakers and greeted people at Emerald Keeper events. This year the program expanded to 17 interns and Jesse created an Earth Month Camp for elementary students to learn how to compost, garden, and develop sustainable habits. She also worked with a team to establish Emerald Green, Ocean Blue Sustainable Classrooms at the elementary schools.
Emerald Keepers is just one of Jesse’s initiatives. She has served as Class President – both her junior and senior year and was secretary of her sophomore class. Through student government Jesse organized dozens of events, managed social media, and promoted all manner of activities. She personifies school spirit.
Jesse’s work-life balance is impressive. Currently Vice President of the Best Buddies Club, she shares her lunch period with students encumbered with intellectual and developmental disabilities and helps fundraise for accessible classroom equipment for her special friends. She participates in Mi Mitad, a monthly cultural exchange with students in Spain via zoom to share holidays and traditions and improve her language skills. A student athlete, Jesse was Team Captain of the varsity golf team her junior year, and a four-year surfer with her high school team. Jesse is a role model for aspiring young surfers. It is no wonder she was elected to the homecoming court this past fall. Jesse is not only a role model for peers and youth, but an inspiration to adults. Jesse will attend Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in the fall.
Congratulations to Emerald Keeper of the Month, Jesse Hill, for her four years of dedication to the CHS Emerald Keepers Club!
