By John Psaila, Age 8, Young Reporter for the Environment, Scotland
Display showing Eco-Schools activities at Wallace Hall Academy.
The second day of the Running Out of Time Relay event the weather turned to the better. Wallace Hall Academy was the first school where the baton would be handed over. Although it was a Saturday, Wallace Hall Academy was buzzing with excitement. Staff, students, and members of the community were gathered in front of the school with handmade banners to cheer the runners on. Infront of the school was a display showing all the amazing eco-work the students had and were working on. They had covered great work on many of the Eco-Schools topics!
When Jasmin Paris came around the corner running with the baton in her hand everyone was cheering and waving their banners! Even the sun came out from behind the clouds to welcome the runner. She entrusted the baton to Tom and Emily, who were accompanied by Hooley, the dog.
Jasmin’s journey had started in Kirkconnel, Sanquhar and now 26 km later she had arrived in Thornhill. Jasmin had put 26km of the total 7,767 km on her name. Jasmin is an eager hill runner and loves the outdoor. Nature makes her happy, it is a place where she can relax and find peace. She finds it important that everyone is aware of how they can contribute to the solutions of climate change. Participating in the Running Out of Time relay event allowed her to help raise awareness of the importance and need of quality environmental education for all.
Even ponies took part in the relay!
Applegarth Primary School in Lockerbie an active Eco-School with a beautiful outdoor space and outdoor classroom was the next hand-over point. As at Wallace Hall Academy, staff, pupils and members of the community crowed near Applegarth Primary School. There were even two ponies and rider and a pony with carriage to welcome runner James, who had taken over the baton from Tom, Emily, and Hooley the dog and to support Mike in the next part of the relay! As James came insight, the ponies joined his side. He handed over the baton to Mike, who was going to cover the next 32 kilometres by bicycle. Mike mounted his bicycle and with the ponies on his side cycled into the distance!
John speaking with Mike, one of the members of the support crew.
Mike is a keen cyclist, who loves a challenge. He already had over 500 miles cycling on his name for 2022. Cycling gives him a sense of freedom. The freedom to be one with nature. Nature gives him the opportunity to explore and experience all his senses and clear his mind. His encouragement to participate in the Running Out of Time relay event was raise the awareness of world leaders to provide good environmental education for everyone.
About John
Hi, I am John and live in Scotland. I live in Ayrshire with my dad, mum, and brother. We have rabbits, ducks, chickens, cats - Shadow and a hound - Carmen. Carmen is a Collie and she loves being outside looking after the animals. Shadow loves to go into the fields looking for food. We are going to have a second cat soon. I am with the Scouts - Cubs and I do gymnastics. I love the outdoors, with my family we go for walks, bicycle rides and canoeing. I also like creating things and writing stories.
Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) is a programme developed by the Foundation for Environmental Education. In Scotland, the YRE programme is coordinated by our member, Keep Scotland Beautiful.