On April 30, 2026, Barry University hosted the Ecological Action Showcase, bringing together students and educators from eight Catholic high schools across South Florida to present student-led environmental initiatives inspired by Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home.

The event marked the culmination of a year-long effort that began with the Together for Tomorrow Summit in Fall 2025, where students committed to advancing the Laudato Si’ Action Platform. Since then, participants have implemented projects addressing sustainability, social justice, ecological education, and community engagement.

Held on the final day of Earth Month, the Showcase featured student exhibitions demonstrating measurable impact. The program also included the inaugural Earth Keeper Awards, recognizing standout student and educator leadership. Honorees included Andreas Vidal (Christopher Columbus High School), Arturo Cartaya de la Rosa (Immaculata-La Salle High School), Sofia Gomez (Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory), Adrian Weinstein (Christopher Columbus High School), Paul Blanchet (Immaculata-La Salle High School), Emilie Alvarez (Monsignor Edward Pace High School), and educator Aimee Lowe (St. Thomas Aquinas High School).

A standout moment came with a surprise performance by the Recycled Orchestra of Cateura, the internationally recognized group from Paraguay that performs with instruments made from recycled materials and is inspiring the upcoming Estefan-produced musical Basura. 

“This represents the culmination of a year-long effort that started with the Together for Tomorrow Summit,” said Courtney Berrien, Senior Director for the Adrian Dominican Institute for Teaching and Learning and Mission Officer at Barry University and Associate Life Candidate. “At its core, this is about instilling leadership in our youth and inspiring a passion for integral ecology, the understanding that everything is interconnected.”

The event was made possible in part through the support of Sam and Carol Nappi, whose commitment to environmental stewardship and spiritual growth continues to expand opportunities for student engagement.

Building on this momentum, Barry University will launch Camp Common Home for Ecological Action this July, a weeklong immersive program where high school students will explore South Florida ecosystems through hands-on experiences in areas such as water quality monitoring, shark research, sustainable agriculture, and environmental policy.

Participating schools included Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory, Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart, Belen Jesuit Preparatory School, Cardinal Gibbons High School, St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Monsignor Edward Pace High School, Immaculata-La Salle High School, and Christopher Columbus High School, among others.

The Ecological Action Showcase reflects Barry University’s ongoing commitment to integral ecology, student formation, and community engagement, while continuing to build a growing network of young leaders dedicated to caring for our common home.