Hampton Academy Students Team Up to Make a Difference, Removing 120 Pounds of Trash from Main Beach

HAMPTON — More than 300 students and staff from Hampton Academy gathered to collect trash from Hampton’s coastline.

Through the collaboration of students and staff, who worked in teams to remove plastic bottles, food wrappers, fishing debris and trash from Main Beach, 120 pounds of trash were cleaned from the shores. 

Their efforts help to alleviate some of the major environmental concerns that litter poses to beaches — polluted water sources, threats to the safety of marine and coastal wildlife, damage to habitats, and threats to human health and safety. 

Through this initiative, students reinforced their commitment toward the Hampton Academy Way: managing yourself, acting responsibly, and respecting yourself and others. The experience created an opportunity for students to see firsthand how small actions, such as picking up one piece of trash, can have a big impact on their community. 

Students will use the data collected from the cleanup in math and science classes, where they will apply their learning to real-world environmental issues. 

The cleanup was organized by teacher Bonnie Heath and Paraprofessional Chris Grippo, who also serves as Chair of the New Hampshire Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting oceans, waves, and beaches by reducing plastic pollution, defending against harmful factors, promoting beach access, and addressing climate change.

“With service, teamwork, and hands-on learning, our students committed to something that serves their community and the natural ecosystems within it,” said Principal Neal Campbell. “We want our students to know that they can be changemakers, no matter how small the action. This was a great opportunity for them to experience the possibilities of their actions.”