High School Students Raise Funds to Close Orphaned Oil Wells in Pennsylvania

Students Taking Charge: The Dice Well Done Club's Mission

The passion of today's youth is not only inspiring but also leading to significant actions in combating climate change. At Taylor Allderdice High School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a dedicated group of students, the Dice Well Done Club, has made considerable strides in addressing the urgent issue of orphaned oil wells. Recently, they raised over $15,000 to support the plugging of a dangerous orphaned oil well in Erie, PA. This initiative is crucial given the alarming number of abandoned oil wells across the United States—approximately 2.5 million—many of which pose threats of methane leaks that can harm local water supplies and communities.

Formation of the Dice Well Done Club

Founded by tenth-grade student Lucy Hurowitz along with a team of passionate peers—including Seena Teshome, Jordan Block, and Olivia Boyle—the Dice Well Done Club represents the collective efforts of students who recognize the pressing need for action against climate change. The club's mission was ignited by the desire to contribute positively to their community while addressing a nationwide crisis. Hurowitz expressed the motivation behind starting the club, stating, "Everyone my age wants to fight climate change but doesn't know how to do it. I started the Dice Well Done Club because it was a clear opportunity to help a community that's not too far away."

Fundraising Activities

The students set an ambitious fundraising goal of $5,000, which they aimed to meet during the month of May. Their efforts were rewarded as they not only met but exceeded their target; the total donation was matched by the Well Done Foundation (WDF) and the Reimer Family Climate Crisis Fund, culminating in a remarkable $15,000. This financial contribution facilitates the plugging of the orphaned well and stands as a testament to student activism.

Various fundraising events included online donation appeals, movie screenings in the school auditorium, and selling water ice during lunch breaks, encouraging student engagement while addressing such an important issue. "One of the best parts of this club is that everyone in our school can be a part of it, just by buying a movie ticket or a water ice," remarked Olivia Boyle, the club’s treasurer.

Community and Institutional Support

Support from the school’s administration has been instrumental in the success of this initiative. The leadership team, including supportive teacher Lori Gaido and Principal Dr. McCoy, played a vital role in empowering the students and facilitating their fundraising endeavors. Teshome highlighted the importance of this support by expressing gratitude towards the faculty: "We are really grateful to our supporting teacher, Lori Gaido and our principal, Dr. McCoy for helping us make this happen."

Commitment to a Greener Future

The leadership of the Well Done Foundation has commended the students’ relentless dedication towards making a tangible impact in their community and addressing the larger environmental crisis. Curtis Shuck, the founder of WDF, remarked, "We have been so impressed with Dice Well Done's commitment to being part of the solution to this global crisis. They have truly taken important steps to support and heal their community."

The Dice Well Done Club plans to continue their fundraising efforts into the 2025-2026 school year with new goals, showcasing their long-term commitment to reducing the impact of orphaned oil wells on the environment. To support their cause, individuals can contribute through their donation platform. This remarkable story reflects a growing trend among youth globally who are taking proactive measures against climate change, inspiring future generations to engage in similar initiatives and foster awareness of environmental issues.

For more information on the Well Done Foundation or to support the Dice Well Done Club, you can visit their official website and donation portal.