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Earth Day Is Every Day Virtual Panel

April 22, 2026 at 7:00 PM ET

NSHSS co-founder Claes Nobel, who was known to use “Good Earth to you!” as his favorite greeting, encouraged all of us to treat every day as if it were Earth Day by taking action and doing our part to preserve, protect, and tend to this beautiful planet we call home.

For Earth Day this year, NSHSS will host its annual virtual panel featuring students who have received NSHSS grants or awards for their creative solutions to environmental challenges. During the panel, students will share what inspired them to get involved, the impact they are making in their communities, and simple ways young people and families can help care for the planet every day.

Young Scholars students and parents are invited to join this special virtual Earth Day panel led by inspiring NSHSS student changemakers.

Earth Day 2026

Student Panelists

Sumedha Katakam

Sumedha "Sumi" Katakam is the Chief Executive Officer at ASK Solar LLC, a company redesigning homeowner solar energy storage, and a senior at Stanford Online High School. She is planning to continue her education at Vanderbilt, studying her first year abroad in Spain through Verto.

Sumi has had a love for STEM since a young age: she always had an interest in learning, but ever since she took a rocketry course in the seventh grade, she realized that her passion lies in engineering. But as people-driven as she is, making a real impact in the lives of those around her also held a place in her heart. Entrepreneurship in environmental spaces met that need.

Sumi's combination of engineering and entrepreneurial elements has fostered her endeavors, and she now leads ASK Solar with a strong focus on environmental sustainability, affordability, and accessibility. With a deep understanding of the solar industry's challenges, Sumi uses her leadership expertise to drive ASK towards a renewable future.

Zach Hartman

Zach Hartman is a youth environmental leader and co-founder of the nonprofit Eco Brothers, where he leads projects focused on sustainability, reuse, and community service. Over the past nine years, his initiatives have redistributed more than 300,000 books, upcycled thousands of items for animal shelters, and kept over 125,000 pounds of reusable materials out of landfills. Zach is an Eagle Scout, a recipient of the Congressional Award Silver Medal and has been recognized by the National Society of High School Scholars with both the Good Earth Sustainability Scholarship and the 18 Under 18 Scholarship. Through his work with Zach’s Planet and Eco Brothers, he continues to inspire students across the country to take action for their communities and the environment.

Rishi Khante

Rishi Khante is a Junior at North Creek High School in the Northshore School District with a strong interest in environmental sustainability. After noticing that sustainability education is often introduced too late, he founded Access4All, a nonprofit that provides early environmental education to elementary students, focusing on habit formation and embedding sustainability into school culture.

Through Access4All, Rishi has designed and delivered interactive, engaging lessons on clean water, ecosystems, climate responsibility, and conservation. He piloted this program at Northshore School District as well as Lake Washington School District elementary schools, using hands-on activities and storytelling to make complex environmental concepts accessible and meaningful for younger students. His work emphasizes not only awareness but also long-term behavior change.

Beyond leading his nonprofit, Rishi is actively involved in sustainability research and environmental education initiatives, collaborating with educators and community partners to expand the reach and impact of his work. He is also engaged in student advocacy, contributing to discussions on education and community priorities.

Rishi is passionate about bridging education and action, with the goal of empowering the next generation to adopt sustainable practices early and contribute to a more environmentally responsible future.

“In the grand scheme of life, the good earth is our most cherished prize. I like to greet people by saying, ‘Good Earth!’ Say it now. Out loud! GOOD EARTH! It feels good. Those positive feelings (caused by endorphins) can help you do great things.” –Claes Nobel, NSHSS Co-founder

Claes Nobel: "Celebrate Earth Day Every Day."

Claes Nobel, of the Nobel Prize family and Co-founder of NSHSS, was a passionate advocate for environmental causes. In fact, his favorite greeting was “Good Earth to you!" He encouraged all of us to treat every day as if it were Earth Day by taking action and doing our part to preserve, protect, and tend to this wonderful planet we call home. Watch the video for Mr. Nobel's special message. 

Tell Us Something Good...Earth!

Be sure to tell us about your climate action and sustainability efforts and initiatives you are doing for the good of the Earth so we can share with others.

For example, how are you bringing awareness for environmental issues and solutions in your own community? We want to hear from you! Fill out this form and you may be included on this page, in the next blog, or social media post.  

Recycle 2026