From the Classroom to the Coast: Mr. Andy Inspires a Cleaner Future

A Passion for Place and People

Mr. Andy is one of the Green Team leaders at the TLC Chula Visa site. In addition to supporting sustainability initiatives at school, the goal of the Chula Vista Green Team this year is to clean Imperial Beach and help bring back the local ecology. As the most polluted beach in San Diego County, Imperial Beach is a fitting focus for their efforts—which are already making a real difference.

Together, TLC Chula Vista Green Team members, including Mr. Andy, high school students, and other volunteers, meet once a month to clean Imperial Beach. For Mr. Andy, this regular event is a reflection of his deep-seated passion for the environment, the beaches, and his students. His enthusiasm is infectious, extending beyond simply picking up trash. These cleanups are a perfect way for young people to connect with their local environment, fulfill service requirements, and see the immediate, positive impact of their efforts.

As Mr. Andy describes,

“As an avid surfer, I have spent my life trying to improve the quality of our oceans! The Green Team at Chula Vista has been a fantastic way to see the students thrive in their passions! To foster an environmentally conscious world it takes impactful progress from everyone! Even if it is only on a small scale.”

A Birthday Request Driven by Commitment

Mr. Andy’s commitment to the environment was on full display last month, when he celebrated his birthday. His one birthday request was simple yet powerful: he asked fellow teachers to join him at the cleanup. His colleagues showed up, not only to celebrate him but to support his environmental mission, demonstrating the powerful impact a passionate educator can have both inside and outside the classroom. It was a wonderful show of solidarity, along with setting an example for the students.

Powered by Partnership

Mr. Andy and the Green Team’s beach clean-ups are also an example of the power of community partnerships. Mr. Andy explains,

“I teamed up with the organization I Love A Clean San Diego last year to facilitate the beach clean ups and recently also started partnering with the Surfrider Foundation because they offered to help me supply the gear for the monthly clean ups!”

He credits his students for motivating him to seek community partners,

“The kids were actually the ones that heavily influenced me looking for community stakeholders to help support our clean up efforts. What started as me cleaning alone every month quickly expanded to multiple Green Team club members wanting to expand their local outreach to their communities as well. We consider every clean up opportunity open invite and believe in a community of leaders and volunteers!”

Join the Movement!

The cleanups offer a consistent, positive outlet for action. By dedicating just a couple of hours one morning a month, you help protect local wildlife, enhance the beauty of our coastline, and reduce the flow of pollution into the Pacific. Want to pitch in for the next cleanup in Imperial Beach? Keep an eye out on Parent Square for the announcement!

You can also email Mr. Andy (andres.cardona@learningchoice.org ) or speak to a club member if you’re interested in learning more.