STEM In Action

Recent graduate CJ Writer ’18 was honored at the Disneyland Resort’s Dreamers and Doers Celebration for his water-wise garden designs, which were adopted by the City of Anaheim’s Lenain Water Treatment Facility. In addition to beautifying the area, Writer’s garden serves as a demonstration site where visitors can learn about environmentally conscious gardening.

Disneyland Resort Dreamers and Doers celebrates the “power of possibility” by recognizing Orange County high school students who are improving their communities and schools through four focus areas: Strengthen Communities, Think Creatively, Conserve Nature and Live Healthier.

Writer, an Eagle Scout, was one of five students to be honored with a Luminary Award at the celebration and earned $3,000 for the nonprofit of his choice, as well as a weekend at the Disneyland Resort. He was also recognized as a Shining Star and received a $1,000 grant for Orange Lutheran.

CJ Writer '18 receives the Luminary Award at the Disneyland Resort's Dreamers and Doers Celebration.

Photo provided by the Disneyland Resort

In Fall 2017, Writer was interviewed about his designs by Philippe Cousteau, Jr. (grandson of explorer and conservationist Jacques Cousteau) for use in educational materials for STEM classes across the country.

“As a teacher, it is awesome to see a student engaged outside of the classroom in a service project that incorporates their passions in school. In CJ’s case, that is science,” says STEM Academy Director Jill Ronstadt, who instructed CJ in Honors Molecular Genetics and AP Biology.

“I know CJ will be a productive citizen and contribute to his community in the future.”