Baldwin High School Team Places Second in Northwell Health Climate Change Challenge

A team from Baldwin High School earned second place and was awarded $1,000 in the 2025-2026 Northwell Health Climate Change Challenge, an annual competition aimed to motivate students to come up with forward-thinking solutions for current and future environmental challenges. Participants attend educational workshops and delve into topics such as sustainability, climate resilience, food systems, and environmental stewardship.

Representing Baldwin High School, students Benjamin Mason, Mia Tavarez, Sanaya Halyard, Tyler Herrera, Jasmine Redden, Kennedy George, and Kylia Cummings developed a project addressing the increasing issues of food insecurity and farm loss. They investigated how climate change affects agricultural productivity, local food systems, and access to nutritious food. The team proposed strategies to raise awareness, enhance food security, and support sustainable agricultural practices, aiding communities in adapting to environmental changes. At the competition, the students then presented their findings to a panel of judges.

“Climate change affects every facet of our lives, including the food systems we rely on,” stated Gabriella Franza, Ed.D., Assistant Director of Instructional Programs for the Baldwin Union Free School District. “Our students exhibited exceptional critical thinking, creativity, and empathy as they explored solutions to a multifaceted issue impacting communities nationwide. We are extremely proud of their achievement.”

The Northwell Health Climate Change Challenge introduces students to the science of climate change, encouraging them to consider both mitigation and adaptation strategies for its effects. During the program's commencement, students learned about climate change's impacts on public health, food systems, and vulnerable populations, as well as the significance of sustainable practices in fostering resilient communities.

By securing second place, the Baldwin High School team not only gained recognition for their innovative work but also showcased the potential of student-led research in addressing some of society’s most urgent challenges.