On April 22, 2026, students and staff at Derby High School recognized Earth Day during the morning announcements, emphasizing the importance of protecting the environment. Later in the day, Miss Hyde’s class spent time outside to demonstrate ways to keep the Earth clean.
Earth Day has been celebrated globally since 1970, when the first Earth Day event served as a civic action that helped establish and strengthen environmental institutions, laws, and international norms. During that initial celebration, an estimated 20 million Americans participated in protests and demonstrations demanding action. This movement successfully pushed its way into American politics, leading to the formation of the Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of crucial legislation such as the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act.
In 2026, people around the world celebrated Earth Day in various ways. Activists organized a protest at the Apple Carnegie Library on April 21 to highlight the environmental impact of AI data centers. This was followed by a CCAN Action Fund rally on April 22 to advocate for climate funding. One notable activist, Hillary Kiplagat Kibiwott, attempted to break a Guinness World Record by planting 24,000 trees in 24 hours in Kenya. Additionally, a “Mother March” was held, involving a 500-mile journey from Asheville, NC, to Washington, D.C., culminating in a gathering for climate action. Numerous marches and parades took place, bringing communities together to celebrate nature through art and costumes.
At Derby High School, Earth Day was recognized and discussed, but Miss Hyde’s class took it a step further. They spent the previous week learning about Earth Day and its significance, leading to a hands-on effort to clean up trash outside the school. Other classes celebrated too. Ms. Borges’ English IV classes celebrated by writing poems and short stories about the Earth.
Overall, the school did a great job of recognizing and participating in Earth Day.
The Raider Press 