Mt. Hope High School senior Avery Walsh is among the recipients of the annual Rhode Island Environmental Education Association Awards for 2026.

Walsh, of Bristol, was chosen as the organization's Youth Leader of the Year. She was described as "a student leader who has turned a passion for environmental and social justice into meaningful action in her school and community."

The salutation continued, "Balancing environmental leadership with academics, athletics and other community commitments, Walsh exemplifies the curiosity, initiative, and civic engagement of a young environmental leader."

The honors recognize students, educators, organizations and schools across the state "who demonstrate leadership, innovation, and dedication to help their communities learn about the environment and engage in outdoor learning and recreation." Nominations are solicited from the community and a selection committee chooses the winners. Walsh was proposed for the accolade by MHHS Science Department Chair and instructor Jennifer Alexander.

"I was thrilled to hear the news," Walsh said. "I am so honored to have received this award and I really appreciate my teacher and environmental club advisor Mrs. Alexander for nominating me. I believe this award not only reflects my hard work but the hard work of the entire environmental club, including my co-president Hazel Bradley."

Walsh plays tennis and runs track as well as being co-president of Mt. Hope High School’s Environmental Club and president of its Science Olympiad Team. She also organizes monthly campus and community cleanups and nature walks along with other activities and events.

"I've had the pleasure of working with Avery for several years as both her teacher and advisor," said Alexander, who is Walsh's teacher for Advanced Placement Biology and Environmental Science classes and is the advisor for both clubs.

She added, "Avery is so deserving of this recognition, and she should be so proud of her efforts. She has helped lead several community environmental awareness programs, including a 'Climate Cafe' lecture series. She also demonstrates environmental stewardship through organizing clean-ups and nature walks for the environmental club members with the help of her co-president Hazel Bradley.

"Avery has shown a deep passion for social and environmental justice, which was showcased in a research project about the intersectional issues surrounding climate change mitigation. She exemplifies what it means to be a thoughtful, passionate leader, and her impact on our school and community is extraordinary."

As mentioned, Walsh helped create the free “Climate Cafe” lecture series at the local library, connecting community members with environmental organizations to learn about local climate challenges and ways to get involved. And she's worked to engage younger community members through the free Eco-Expedition at the Audubon Society’s Nature Center and Aquarium in Bristol.

Walsh became involved in the environmental club at MHHS sophomore year after she signed up for an AP level course in environmental science, of which she said she "loved" and inspired her to delve deeper into the subject and join the club.

"I quickly realized I could make a difference in my community through this newfound passion," Walsh added. "We do a lot of work in the community through our trash pick-ups and our Climate Cafes. Environmental science and advocacy really struck a chord with me because our environment is such an important part of our lives."

In addition, Walsh spent much of the past year conducting the majority of the interviews with local residents and town planners for "Rising Waters," a documentary about climate resilience in Warren.

"Avery was involved with production from the beginning of this project, contributing ideas for the film and putting in work on the ground," said Rising Waters producer/director Dennis Lynch. "She also provided research and led most of the interviews in the film. She is also participating in upcoming film screenings, which will take place around the East Bay and wider area this fall. She was great to work with."

On her role in the film, Walsh said, "It really made me realize how impactful the environment and climate change are and how they affect people. Also, I just love spending time outside."

Walsh has yet to decide which college she will attend, but her future professional endeavors appear to be pretty well set.

"I'm currently in the college application process so I am still unsure as to where I will be attending college." she explained. "I would like to major in environmental science or education."

Also to be honored by the RIEEA are Lara Haggerty as Teacher of the Year, who is a Science educator from West Kingston and instructional leader at The Greene School; Layla Farahbakhsh as Environmental Educator of the Year, from Pawtucket who serves as the "Nuestros Bosques" (Our Forests) program coordinator with the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council and helps facilitate the Arboleros Forestry Program; and Save The Bay as Organization of the Year.

Walsh and the other honorees were saluted on Wednesday, Oct. 21, during an event at the Save The Bay Center in Providence.