– Westlake, OH
Keeping Lake Erie clean for future generations – that’s the goal of AQUA , a creative marketing campaign developed by students from 10 local high schools through the Excel TECC Marketing/Junior Achievement program at Beachwood High School.
The campaign kicked off April 6 at the Pinecrest shopping district with an immersive installation of massive water drops designed by South African artist Neill Wright. The inflatable structures feature bold, tropical prints that capture in visual form the importance of clean water for healthy ecosystems. The installation will pop up across Greater Cleveland to educate communities about water conservation and “activate hundreds of Northeast Ohio residents to clean up area beaches.”
“AQUA’s mission is important to me because I grew up on Lake Erie,” said John Mirabile, a senior at West Geauga High School. “From fishing to swimming and even drinking water, Lake Erie is important for our physical and mental wellbeing.”
The installation will feature action steps that individuals can take to conserve water. Visitors can scan a QR code displayed in the exhibit to make donations to Eriesponsible, a nonprofit that organizes Lake Erie beach cleanups.
“The students were driven by social responsibility,” said Marketing/Junior Achievement teacher Greg Perry. “We sit on the world’s largest supply of fresh water. If we empower each person to take small steps, we’ll have a greater good for all.”
The installation will be at Crocker Park until May 15 where friends and families can come take pictures and learn more about being a water-conscious citizen. After Crocker Park, the installation will move to Huntington Park, Fairport Harbor from May 19-30 and then will end it’s tour in the City of Beachwood from June 2-12.
For students in the Marketing/Junior Achievement program, organizing AQUA has been a rewarding way to do something good for the planet while learning practical business and management skills. Students were responsible for fundraising and budgeting the project, selling sponsorships, designing campaign materials, and organizing and promoting events.
“Starting up and trying to manage a brand-new company is fun, but in no way easy,” said Beachwood High School senior Max Rindsberg. “We overcame real-world challenges, and I have learned more than I ever could in a full-time classroom setting.”
Beachwood High School senior, Sepanta Entezari, agrees. “The hands-on approach allows us students to immerse ourselves in real-world scenarios rather than simply reading them in a textbook,” she said. “There is truly nothing that compares to the Marketing/Junior Achievement Program.”
For interviews, please contact Lauren Meade, Director of Communications, at (216) 464-2600 x2205 or [email protected].