ECODAYS

Jaya began dancing ballet with the Armour Dance Theatre (ADT) during her freshman year of high school. ADT teaches ballet technique both in studio and in low-income schools across Miami-Dade through community programs. They foster a love of dance in children who otherwise would likely never get the opportunity to experience it, and organize additional programs in reading, writing, math, and mental wellness.

In her sophomore year, Jaya had the wonderful Ms. Ruth Wiesen, the studio's Artistic Director, as her ballet teacher. Jaya approached Ms. Ruth about bringing an environmental element to ADT’s community programs. Working together, Jaya and Ms. Ruth identified a need within the community programs – bringing clean water and reducing plastic waste.   

Jaya reached out to Elkay and advocated for water bottle re-filling stations and reusable water bottles for the ADT community programs. After hearing about the programs, Elkay was excited about the opportunity to help communities in need. Jaya was quite surprised at the generosity of Elkay. Not only did Elkay offer to donate 300 reusable water bottles, but they also agreed to donate refrigerated water bottle filling stations at each of the schools.

This created the basis for Jaya’s "EcoDays" program. Through EcoDays, Jaya works hand in hand with Ms. Kelly Robotham, ADT's Director of Community Programs, in order to give environmental based presentations at each school ADT works with. Jaya educates children ages 5-11 on the issues of single-use plastic waste and water conservation through presentations, and ends each session with a fun water bottle decorating activity.

Jaya has already held EcoDays at Miami Gardens Elementary and Pine Villa Elementary, and is currently planning additional days at Miami Heights Elementary, Morningside K-8, and South Miami Heights Elementary.