The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) Board of Commissioners and staff welcomed National Honor Society (NHS) students from Wendell Phillips Academy High School for a special recognition ceremony in the Board room and educational tour on March 20. NHS is a prestigious organization that recognizes and encourages students’ academic achievement, leadership, service and character.

MWRD Commissioner Yumeka Brown planned the visits to highlight the students' academic achievements and introduce them to the essential work of the MWRD in protecting the region’s water supply. The visit provided students with an opportunity to engage with policymakers and professionals in the environmental and water management sectors. This educational exchange followed a visit to the school in February in which MWRD staff presented on the work of the MWRD to treat wastewater, protect water resources and manage stormwater. 

“It was a pleasure to welcome such outstanding students to MWRD,” said Commissioner Brown. “We hope today’s experience provided them with a deeper appreciation for the importance of environmental stewardship and inspired them to consider careers in water management and public service.”

The students began their visit at MWRD’s headquarters, where they participated in the MWRD Board of Commissioners meeting and were officially recognized for their academic success. 

“The students of Wendell Phillips Academy’s National Honors Society represent the future of our community. Their dedication to academic excellence and leadership is truly inspiring,” said President Kari K. Steele. “We were honored to recognize their accomplishments and expose them to the important work of water reclamation and sustainability.”

Following the meeting, the students and staff stopped by for a look at the MWRD waterways control room then traveled to the Calumet Water Reclamation Plant in Chicago for an interactive tour. They took a behind-the-scenes look at the wastewater treatment process and the MWRD’s efforts to protect the environment.

The MWRD has a long-standing relationship with the Bronzeville neighborhood high school. The MWRD Board of Commissioners passed a resolution honoring the high school team in 2016, after the Phillips Wildcats football team became the first Chicago Public School to win a state championship in late 2015.

The event underscored MWRD’s commitment to community engagement and education, demonstrating how science and public infrastructure work together to safeguard water resources for the region. On the same day that the Phillips students toured Calumet WRP and the MWRD Board of Commissioners meeting, the MWRD also hosted students from James B. Conant High School in Hoffman Estates at its Egan WRP, while also welcoming tours of its Stickney WRP and making multiple school visits. 

More information on MWRD’s outreach programs and educational opportunities

NHS has chapters in all 50 states, territories, and many schools worldwide, serving over 1.4 million students. For more information on the NHS program, visit https://www.nationalhonorsociety.org/