Kayla Peale
Founder & President
My name is Kayla Peale, and I am a senior at Yorktown High School. On a service trip two years ago, I witnessed first-hand the effects of plastic pollution on marine life (sea turtles and dolphins dying as a result of plastic pollution). The knowledge I gained from this experience inspired me to make a real difference upon returning home. In the fall of 2018, we formed “For A Strawless Sea”, a club at Yorktown High School, dedicated to eliminating single-use plastics in Arlington. As the President of the club, I have been able to foster relationships with a vast network of organizations and we have made a real impact on our local community! We have been recognized by Arlington Magazine, Washington Business Journal, Smithsonian Conservation Commons, Global Co Lab, and EcoAction Arlington. If you are passionate about our environment and the future or our planet, join us, and help us shape the future we all want and deserve.
Ellie Cowan
Vice President
I’m Ellie, a senior at Yorktown High School. After watching Al Gore’s documentary, “An Inconvenient Truth“ in my ninth grade biology class, I couldn’t get my mind off climate change and the serious threat it poses to communities universally. I translated my concern into the creation of this club with Kayla, and I am so proud of how the club has come in just a short year and a half. This club has given me the opportunity to pursue my interests in environmental science and public policy, and I am so grateful for the relationships I have made with mentors and teens along the way. What is so unique about this club is that it involves every field of study, even economics and government, so any type of student with any interest can find a way to contribute!
Lani Soh
Club Manager
My name is Lani Soh and I am the manager of the For a Strawless Sea Club! My main responsibilities as Club Manager include making slideshows for our weekly meetings, recruiting new club members, helping plan sustainability events, and reaching out to local restaurants. I’m so grateful to be the Club Manager of the For a Strawless Sea because we take initiatives to make a lasting difference in our community, and we have ample opportunities to reach out to others and encourage them to do the same.
Brooke Cranwell
Chair of Communications
My name is Brooke Cranwell and I’m a senior at Yorktown High School. My entire life I have always been driven to help make the world a better place. By being a part of For A Strawless Sea, I have been able to make a difference in the world by helping our community and the environment. I think it’s very important for people our age to make a difference in the world since we are the future.
Lexi Olsen
Creative Director
My name is Lexi Olsen and I'm a sophomore at Yorktown high school. I have always been very interested about the ocean and the environment and since joining For a Strawless Sea last year, I have been much more aware about what I can do to help. Being in this club has given me so many opportunities that I otherwise wouldn't have had and I am so excited to get more involved and to see what next year brings!
Molly Cowan
Brand Manager
My name is Molly Cowan and I am a junior at Yorktown High School. In the past couple of years climate change and environmental action has become a major focus for me. For a Strawless Sea is a great outlet for teenagers to help get involved in our community. Personally, I take photos for the club at all of our events and help all around. I’m looking forward to the next few years and to see what comes next!
Katie Bernhardt
Project Manager
My name is Katie Bernhardt and I am a sophomore at Yorktown High School. I joined the club my freshman year and have loved it since then. For A Strawless Sea Club has given me so many opportunities and allowed me to meet so many new people. From just being a regular club member to taking on bigger tasks and helping out more, it has been amazing. I love knowing that I am making a difference and helping our communities! I am really looking forward to my next years with this club and all that we will accomplish.
Addie Martin
Program Director
My name is Addie Martin and I’m a sophomore at Yorktown high school. I am very passionate about trying to make our earth a cleaner, better place. For a Strawless Sea has provided me with so many opportunities to meet such amazing and inspiring people! My responsibilities in the club include developing and attending events, helping out with meetings and contributing new club ideas. This community has motivated me to live a more sustainable lifestyle and do everything I can to work for a greener future.