Net-Zero Hero: Sherry Lepine

I’m helping to make Austin Net-Zero by empowering my students to get involved in sustainability efforts and to be environmental stewards.

Meet Sherry Lepine, the Maverick Green STEM Academy Director at Mendez Middle School, where she also leads campus composting, gardening, and chicken-keeping projects. Sherry began her career at Small Middle School, where she developed and managed the Green Tech Academy, focusing on STEM studies.

Under Dr. Lepine’s leadership, Small Middle School became the first school in Texas to earn the EcoSchools USA Green Flag Award from the National Wildlife Federation. We spoke with Sherry about her commitment to Net-Zero, what her toughest challenges have been, and what advice she has for others looking to live Net-Zero. 

What inspired you to take action?

When I was a middle school student back in the 70’s, I participated in the first Earth Day. Since then, I have always been passionate about taking care of our Earth. Today, I help kids and their families understand the core principles of taking care of our environment. It’s very rewarding work, and I find that people are really inspired to contribute to the effort in their own ways.

How did you do it?

How do you eat an elephant? Answer: One bite at a time! Start with something easy and tangible that students and families can do, such as recycling, composting, or planting a tree or garden. Students will let you know what sustainability and environmental stewardship topics they are interested in exploring, and you can build from there.

Top-left: Squash in the garden; Top-right: Sherry leans over the garden; Bottom-left: The chicken coop; Bottom-right: Compost bins.

What's been the toughest part?

Working with large bureaucracies and all the barriers that are put up to prevent communities from doing things. Also, working with entities that are not on board with environmental initiatives because they perceive that it will create more work for them, such as sorting trash into the appropriate receptacle.

Have there been any unexpected benefits?

Seeing the excitement and motivation of the students when they are engaged in problem-based learning around STEM topics has been so rewarding, and the data shows that this type of learning is effective. This past year at Mendez Middle School, the standardized test scores of students studying in the Career and Technology Education program were 8 – 23 percentage points higher on all standardized tests in every subject tested, at every grade level! Bringing this type of education to a historically underserved population in Dove Springs has been very fulfilling.

What advice do you have for others?

Network with others, join organizations that are related to sustainability, and start with something easy. Don’t be afraid to ask your colleagues for help. Look for grants to help with funding your project, such as the Bright Green Future Grant from the City of Austin. There are tons of resources online, and some are free! A few of my favorites are the EcoSchools USA website and the EcoRise Youth Innovations curriculum.

Want to know more? Read about the Dove Springs Community Garden at Mendez Middle School. To learn more about Austin's net-zero goal and the actions you can take to support a greener community, view the Austin Climate Equity Plan.

Share your Net-Zero contributions with us on X (formerly Twitter) or Facebook, and use #NetZeroHero. If you know a Net-Zero Hero (or heroes!) who should be recognized for their efforts, send your nomination to climate@austintexas.gov.