SHS Student's Work Pays Off

Congratulations to Michelle Hannon, an incoming senior at , for her role in the new implemented this week near the high school by the Lake County Board.

Michelle says, “In the fall of 2009, I took a class that was very close to the football fields and one of the neighbors that abuts Stevenson High School was burning leaves. The smoke was so bad that we all started coughing. After doing further research, I found that the smoke emitted dangerous chemicals that could cause cancer and even death to people with asthma. My sister (who has asthma) was going to be a freshman in the fall of 2010 and I knew that something needed to be done and soon.” 

Guided by Janet Gonzalez, Stevenson’s principal at the time, Lake County Commissioner David Stolman, and Stevenson nurse Peg Cucci, Michelle learned the steps necessary to put a stop to leaf burning during school hours and school activities.

With Stolman (now the Lake County Board chairman) on her side, Michelle said he’s been an amazing advocate for the health and safety of the students at Stevenson. After a year of correspondence with him on how to solve the leaf burn issue, Michelle is thrilled that she trusted in him and his guidance.

Tuesday morning at the Lake County Board meeting, an ordinance was passed that states that burning will only be allowed from 5 to 8 p.m. on weekdays and from noon to 8 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Michelle says, “A complete ban would have been the ideal situation, but this is a great step toward clean air during school hours at Stevenson.”

At the meeting, Stolman said this law was only a start, and that in a year they will evaluate it to consider implementing it in all Lake County schools.

As far as Michelle’s thoughts on the political arena, let’s just say she doesn’t think politics is in her future. She learned about tough compromise, the length of time it takes to get something done and the negativity that can be brought to the surface from the opposition. She plans to study chemical engineering.

Overall, Michelle is happy with the results. “I think it is a start and a good one for now. My only concern is that sports do continue past 5, and there are football games on Saturday at 12 p.m. So I think we will have to monitor how things are and see if we need to do more to amend the law.”

Here’s to positive change and starting to make a difference at a young age. Way to go, Michelle.

As always, email me with any news, topics or ideas that you want to read about. Remember, I’d like to be the first to know! I can be reached at laurenbgpatch@aol.com.