Alyssa Lu is an Earth-conscious individual and being eco-friendly is a part-time lifestyle.
She recycles, composts, turns off lights after leaving a room and unplugs cords throughout her parents’ home. She became a vegetarian after watching the Netflix documentary “Cowspiracy.”
“My mom actually hates it because it’s always dark in the house,” said the Boise High School junior. “I like to hope I’m making a difference.”
Alyssa changed her habits at age 14 and she believes her dedication is paying off. She received a $2,000 college scholarship, the Idaho High School Activities Association Interscholastic Star Student Recognition, for her involvement on campus.
Alyssa is committed to combating climate change, helping the environment and making a world a better place for her generation and those that come after.
“I want to make long-lasting impacts at my school and lessen the amount of hurting the environment right now,” Alyssa said. “Whenever I see a problem, I try to find ways to improve the issue.”
Alyssa promotes school activities that inform her peers on climate change. She helped win a Solar 4R Schools grant, which will lead to Idaho Power installing solar panels on Boise High this summer. She is planning a Sustainability Summit on campus that will promote best practices in sustainability of the environment, happiness and personal health. She also is heading a district-wide effort to replace styrofoam lunch trays with reusable or compostable trays.
“She is a person who rolls her sleeves up and gets to work,” said John Coulthard, the sustainability adviser at Boise High. “She is a positive role model.”
Alyssa applied to be part of The University of Maine’s Stormwater Management Research Team this summer, she will collect data and develop solutions for storm water pollution in Idaho.
“I want to educate the public about the problems with stormwater pollution and management,” Alyssa said.
She owns a 4.3 grade-point average and is ranked second in her class. Alyssa plans to apply to Harvard University and wants to study chemistry with the goal of becoming an environmental science researcher.
When Alyssa isn’t helping the environment, she is a member of the varsity golf team and Boise High band, participates in the humanitarian club and volunteers every Sunday at St. Alphonsus.
“I enjoy gaining new experiences and knowledge,” Alyssa said.
Fun facts about Alyssa Lu
- Favorite drink? Strawberry milkshakes
- Favorite sport to watch? NFL Football
- What are the first three songs on your current music playlist? “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” by The Beach Boys, “Castle on the Hill” by Ed Sheeran and “Somethin’ Stupid” by Frank Sinatra
- You just got a free plane ticket to go anywhere. Where are you going? Sydney, Australia
- Three things you can’t live without? Ice cream, my supportive family and friends, and music
- Favorite emoji
