St. Christopher graduation to ‘go green’

Nina Mahne tests a confetti-filled balloon in the lead-up to her graduation event that will skip the traditional release of balloons. More photos can be found on the Clarion Herald’s Facebook page. (Photos by Beth Donze)

By BETH DONZE
Clarion Herald

What goes up, must come down.

This fundamental law of physics is being taken very seriously by seventh graders at St. Christopher School in Metairie in the roll-up to their May 17 graduation ceremony.

For the first time in years, their commencement will not be marked by the ceremonial outdoor release of balloons in the school colors of blue and white. Rather, the newly minted graduates will celebrate by releasing confetti “poppers” at an event they have entitled “The 7th Grade Send Off.”

“Where do those balloons go? A lot of them end up in the ocean, and not just the balloons, but the strings that are attached to them are very harmful to the environment and to wildlife like sea turtles, dolphins and birds,” said Dru Troescher, a retired St. Christopher science teacher who has been working with students and faculty on designing a more eco-friendly graduation ceremony.

“You don’t even think about the balloons traveling that far and falling into the ocean,” Troescher said, adding that the practice also breaks state litter laws. “It’s hard to give up on tradition, and that’s why we tried to find (a graduation activity) that would still have that wow factor.”

After getting the green light from St. Christopher’s principal, Rachel Trahan, a committee of 12 seventh graders began considering alternatives. Class members, guided by their teachers, tested out numerous non-ballon options, including various brands of hand-held poppers that spewed out biodegradable paper confetti. They also tested balloons that released confetti when manually punctured. The winner: confetti poppers purchased from a family-owned party supplies company.

“The (hand-punctured) balloons didn’t go to a vote because the students brought up that someone might accidentally stick another student with the pin,” Troescher said. “We think the popper is the safest way to go.”

Old habits die hard

Initially, the change was met with some resistance from those who had been looking forward to a ritual they had grown up with: seeing balloons “rise” just as seventh graders were “rising” to high school.

Seventh grader Blaise Bairnsfather said he was disappointed that he and his classmates wouldn’t be able to mimic the theme of their Class of ’23 T-shirt, which, ironically, features an image from the animated movie “Up”: a house rising into the air, courtesy of a huge balloon bouquet.

“They say it’s good for the environment – and I agree – but I still wanted to release the balloons,” Blaise said. “But it’s good that we’re starting a new tradition, and maybe people will like it even more.”

The balloons were “something that was a tradition, and now we have to start something new,” said seventh grader Gianna Yusuf, “but at least we are going to be the ones who make history at the school.”

Seventh grader Alexis Morgan said she sees deflated balloons “all over power lines” in the month of May.

 “At first I was a little iffy about it, but someone had to change it,” Alexis said. “And the poppers will make a much better picture!”

Campus awareness

The class’ graduation plans also include planting a crape myrtle tree in memory of Guy Murphy, a beloved social studies, English and homeroom teacher who died at the beginning of the 2022-23 school year; and designating school locker “No. 23” as a time capsule to be opened at their 10-year reunion.

The switch away from the balloon release is just part of St. Christopher School’s dedication to forming good citizens and stewards of the environment. Campus water fountains have been turned into refilling stations, reducing the use of single-use plastic bottles. Also, in an effort led by art teacher Katie McCall, students in the recycling club collect paper from all classrooms during Wednesday recess time for drop-off at a local recycling center. The club is looking into recycling programs that accept plastic pens, markers and pencils.

McCall’s art students make collages out of found objects while learning about artists who promote earth-friendly practices.

“The art program advocates sustainability and the act of reducing and reusing with its projects,” McCall said. “As students of the earth, it is our responsibility to break from antiquated traditions and set a higher standard for how our actions and choices affect the living environment around us.”

Seventh grader Payton Morris said she recently attended a “gender reveal” party involving the release of a big box of balloons.

“We’re all really open about doing whatever we can,” Payton said. “I’m ready to make a change, and we’ll be the first ones at our school to do it!”

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