I am a governors page who has met the governor and has learned lots from others who are in government!

My project was to start a Ducks Unlimited Varsity Chapter at West Carteret High School. The goal of this project was to create a student-led organization focused on conservation, environmental education, and fundraising that would continue beyond my time at the school. Planning began in May 2025, during and after my participation in the NC Governor’s Page Program. I researched how Ducks Unlimited high school chapters are organized and identified the representatives responsible for Varsity Chapters. I contacted them directly, scheduled a phone meeting, and learned about the expectations, requirements, and fundraising structure for starting a chapter. After this, I contacted my school principal, explained the mission of Ducks Unlimited and how the club would benefit students and the school, and received approval to move forward. In early August, I secured a required teacher liaison, allowing the club to officially launch. The club meets on campus with administrative approval, requires minimal funding or equipment, and follows all school safety guidelines. Ducks Unlimited serves as the primary community partner and provides guidance and resources. Through careful planning, communication, and coordination, I successfully established a sustainable Ducks Unlimited Varsity Chapter at my high school.

Because this project was the launch of a long-term club rather than a single event, there was no one specific “day of” the project. Instead, I focused on making sure each club meeting was organized, productive, and well-communicated. Before each meeting, I prepared the agenda in advance and communicated details to members and the teacher liaison. I sent reminders ahead of time and made sure any materials needed for the meeting were ready. Contact information for Ducks Unlimited representatives, school administrators, and student officers was kept organized in case questions or issues came up. Since the club officially started, we have held meetings in October, November, December, and January. During these meetings, we introduced members to Ducks Unlimited and its conservation mission, discussed goals and expectations for the club, elected officers, and began planning future activities and fundraising efforts. I stayed involved during each meeting to help guide discussions, keep things on schedule, and make sure everyone understood their role. I also documented the process by taking photos and helping promote the club through school communication channels. This approach allowed the project to run smoothly and continue to grow over time rather than relying on one single event.

Although this project is ongoing, I have taken time to reflect on what has already been accomplished and the impact it has had. Starting the Ducks Unlimited Varsity Chapter at West Carteret High School has been a successful step toward my original goal of creating a student-led organization focused on conservation, education, and community involvement. So far, the club has attracted approximately 15–20 active and engaged members, including students who were not previously involved in other school clubs. This has created a new sense of belonging and purpose for students who share an interest in conservation and the outdoors. Through our meetings, members have learned about Ducks Unlimited, wetland conservation, and the goals of the organization. The club is continuing to grow and move forward with plans to create club sweatshirts, organize a fundraiser, and meet with younger students to help teach them about wetland conservation. These upcoming activities show that the club is already building momentum and making a positive impact beyond our own meetings. On a personal level, this project has helped me realize that I can be an effective leader, especially when I am passionate about a cause. Watching the club grow from an idea into a real organization has been rewarding and has taught me valuable leadership, communication, and planning skills. I am grateful for the support and guidance from Ducks Unlimited, my teacher liaison, school administration, and the students who chose to be involved. Their encouragement and participation have been essential to the success of this project so far, and I am excited to continue growing the club and its impact in the future.