The Student Climate Action Council (SCAC)
The Student Climate Action Council (SCAC) is a council of 18 students working with MCPS to represent clusters of the county to advance sustainability initiatives and create a greener school system by holding MCPS accountable for their climate goals.
About The Student Climate Action Council (SCAC)
OUR VISION is to create an entirely Green school system, increase the number of innovative sustainability projects, and allow the creative students of MCPS to be given a chance to enact their ideas, for a better, and safer environment.
OUR MISSION is to help foster innovative sustainability projects created by the students of MCPS. Students who make up the council represent different clusters throughout MCPS giving a better perspective on the problem of sustainability and allowing proper insight into what’s happening in these clusters. SCAC works to ensure that MCPS is fully represented, and has an opportunity to fund student ideas. This council will review and discuss grant applications to ensure our funding goes towards innovative ideas that help tackle climate change effectively in a local community.
Meet the Council Members
NORTH
Hello, my name is Mohammad (he/him). I'm a junior at Poolesville High School and I represent the North area of MCPS. I look forward to advancing the Green School's Initiative and engaging schools and students in the SCAC's work!
Hi! My name is Megan Stallard and I use she/her pronouns. I'm a sophomore at Poolesville High School, and I will be representing the North Area this year! I'm looking forward to working with our Policy committee on a comprehensive Climate Action Plan for MCPS. Also, I'm so excited to talk to students in my area and throughout the county about their sustainability ideas!
North Central
My name is Josie Kim and my pronouns are she/her. I'm in 11th grade and I go to Richard Montgomery High school. I represent the North Central area and I'm looking forward to exploring sustainable alternatives to current MCPS practices.
Hey! My name is Kimberly Lee (she/her), I am a junior at Richard Montgomery High School and I am so excited to represent the North-Central area. This year on the council, I am looking forward to pushing for a green school system and creating more initiatives to help make our school system more environmentally friendly and sustainable.
Northwest
Hey! My name is Brendyn Iliff (he/him), I’m a senior at Rockville High School and I will be representing the Northwest region. Outside of School, My hobbies are Ice hockey, Rock climbing, and backpacking. This year I’m looking forward to further promoting sustainability to all the students and faculty of MCPS.
My name is Gauri Vellanoore (she/her) and I'm a senior at Northwest High School. I am the Council member of the Northwest Area as well as the director of the outreach committee in SCAC. I look forward to working with this year's group of student leaders to maximize sustainable efforts and maintain consistent results in all our projects.
Southeast
Nikhita Bhatt (any pronouns) is a senior at Montgomery Blair High School, representing the Southeast region. She's been involved with environmental advocacy since 8th grade, and this is her second year on the SCAC. Outside of sustainability she also advocates for a myriad of other issues including reproductive justice and equitable technology. She also loves playing and listening to music. This year, Nikhita is excited to work on a MoCo Climate Action Plan and increase energy efficiency in our schools!
Hello! My name is Meghna Singh (she/her), and I am a sophomore at Montgomery Blair High School representing the Southeast area. I look forward to spreading awareness about climate-related issues and increasing student involvement to help MCPS reach its climate goals. I enjoy swimming and singing, but my favorite pastime is playing with my Border Collie, Ollie!
Southwest
Hello! My name is Elizabeth Daly, and I am a senior at Walt Whitman High School. I represent the Southwest cluster and am excited to create a more sustainable county with the SCAC this year. I am looking forward to supporting innovative student projects with our Ambassador program and connecting with students of all ages around the county.
Hello! My name is Teramoluwa (Teemo) Taiwo (she/her), and I am a Senior at Wootton High School. I represent the South West area and I am very excited to work with elementary schools to ignite a lifelong passion for the environment. By spearheading green initiatives, I hope to inspire young minds to become active participants in creating a sustainable future.
South Central
Hi, I'm Renu Vijayaraj! My pronouns are she/her, and I'm a freshman from Walter Johnson High School. I represent the South-Central cluster of MoCo. I'm passionate about expanding the Green School program and awareness, and taking immediate direct action on climate issues in a way that inspires and empowers my peers. Together, we can drive innovative climate solutions that benefit our community and beyond. I'm excited to work with students from diverse backgrounds to create a more sustainable and equitable future.
Hi, my name is Addy Teeters and I am a junior at Walter Johnson High School. My pronouns are she/her and I represent the South-Central cluster of MCPS. For this year, I am looking forward to working with my fellow council members, other community organizations, as well as the youth, to advocate for more knowledge regarding sustainability and the health of our planet through hosting events and pushing progressive policy. I want to encourage all to have a voice!
AT-LARGE
Hi! My name is Celestia Krubally(she/her), and I am a senior at Rockville High school. I am an at-large council member, and I am excited to work within the community and lead initiatives with MCPS youth to increase awareness about sustainability, and what we can do to reduce the negative impacts of climate change. I will work to increase outreach and lead green initiatives, to inspire young minds throughout our county to get involved!
Hi! I'm Raj Awasthi (he/him). I am a Sophomore in the Magnet program at Montgomery Blair High School and an At-Large Council member on the SCAC. This year, I’m looking forward to introducing renewable energy in schools and expanding the reach of the SCAC.
AT-LARGE
Hi, I’m Quinley (he/him) and I’m an At-Large Councilmember. I’m currently a sophomore at Richard Montgomery HS. I’m really looking forward to developing a climate action plan for MCPS and continuing our student grants program this year.
Hi! My name is Kylen Tow (he/him). I'm an At-Large Councilmember and a rising senior at Richard Montgomery High School. I love exploring the outdoors—from hiking and running to fishing and gardening. I look forward to working with the other Councilmembers and MCPS to help foster sustainable environments in our schools and support MCPS students' sustainability projects!
AT-LARGE
My name is Walter Sha and I go by he/him pronouns. I am currently an 11th grader at Richard Montgomery High School who is serving as the Council's Vice Chair as an At-Large Councilmember. I look forward to promoting initiatives that reduce our environmental impact, from advancing eco-friendly policies to supporting student-led sustainability projects. I’m excited to work with council members and students alike to create lasting change for our environment.
Hi, everyone! My name is Cindy Bagheri (she/her), I am a junior at Clarksburg High School, and I represent the county At-Large! I am looking forward to leading the Communications Department to success by increasing relations with the students of MCPS and spreading awareness of the existence, importance, and mission of the SCAC.
Get Involved
Become an Ambassador
Ever wanted to get involved on a county-level to advocate for the environment?
GOOD NEWS! As a Climate Ambassador, you can represent your school on a county-level within the SCAC. With the Council’s support, you will be able to assist sustainability projects at your school and voice your concerns about the environment to create real change.
Rolling Application Due Date: 3/15/2025
Check Out our Artificial Turfs Report
Interested in joining the Student Climate Action Council to fight for Natural Grass Turfs?
Then, read our Artificial Turfs Report!