09/11/2026
FROM THE CLASSROOM TO CONSERVATION 🌱💚
What starts as an interest in the classroom can sometimes turn into a whole lot more.
CCHS student Cassandra Hooper discovered a love for plants in Mrs. Sammons’ classroom, and this summer, she had the opportunity to put that interest into action through the Youth Conservation Corps at Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge.
From identifying native plants and harvesting seeds to welding, repairing equipment, learning about Nevada’s native bees, and spending a week at Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Cassandra gained hands-on experience while exploring the many possibilities within the conservation field.
More importantly, the experience helped solidify something she had already been considering. This is a field she can genuinely see herself pursuing in the future 🌿
We love seeing our Greenwave students take what sparks their curiosity in the classroom and find opportunities to explore where it might take them next.
Read Cassandra’s story below! 👇
Over the past two years at Churchill County High School, I’ve been given so many opportunities, and I have branched out so much to invest in those opportunities. One of the biggest things I discovered was how much I love plants. The day I stepped into Mrs. Sammons’ classroom, it didn’t take long for me to find my inner green thumb. She would always talk about her work at the refuge—the plants, the digging, and even the sunrises. I never thought I would eventually experience those things myself. I already knew I wanted to pursue a career in this field, but this summer helped solidify that decision for me.
https://www.thefallonpost.org/article/9980,plant-corner-finding-my-green-thumb
