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A statewide conference on environmental
Topics for motivated middle school students.

NHYES!

Established, designed, organized, and led by high school students who seek to make a difference through educating their younger peers.

The New Hampshire Youth Earth Summit (NHYES!) is a student led initiative which brings together delegates from schools across the state for in-depth analysis of pressing environmental concerns. The 5th through 7th grade delegates enjoy numerous hands-on activities, stimulating presentations by recognized authorities, lively discussions and debates, and the opportunity to meet with like-minded peers from all parts of New Hampshire.

NHYES! Was conceived by three exceptional high school students who genuinely cared, and wanted to make a tangible difference. Their efforts were entirely self-motivated and voluntary. Through careful deliberations, creative fundraising sparks of genius, and a tremendous amount of dedicated hard work a model middle school environmental conference was born.

Over 200 delegates from over schools across New Hampshire attended the first NHYES! In March 1998. This remarkable program drew universal praise from student delegates, teacher chaperones, and guest speakers. Held in the prestigious Capitol Center for the Arts in Concord, NH, delegates were treated like adult conference attendees. Greeting each delegate at their seat were several gifts (pencil, pen, lapel pin, etc.) and a 40 page bound conference book which included a schedule of events, brief topic descriptions, biographies of each speaker, numerous intriguing and relevant articles, and a reference page with environmental organization contacts and the address of state and national political representatives. The numerous activities were dovetailed with speaker presentations to provide a seamlessly orchestrated day of learning and fun.

At the close of the event student delegates and their teacher chaperones were asked to complete evaluation forms. The overwhelming positive response provided student organizers the proof of their success. Suggestions and constructive comments were carefully noted and compiled to make adjustments for the next NHYES! As the lead organizer graduated, she passed the torch to her colleagues, who in turn chose two younger peers to join this remarkable team of young adults. Together they are preparing, organizing, and dedicating themselves to future NHYES! summits