What started as a brainstorm over winter break has grown into one of the most successful high school composting program launches in Denver Public Schools' history, and it’s all thanks to a group of determined students, a visionary teacher and a community committed to building a healthier future.

In January 2025, Brandon Driggers, Center Program Support Specialist and sponsor of DSST: Montview’s Health Club, returned from break with a challenge for his students: “What project can we take on this semester that promotes health, not just for ourselves, but for our planet?” After a thoughtful group discussion, students zeroed in on composting and recycling. It was a perfect fit for Health Club’s mission to explore “the wide world of health, in all its forms, from our physical body to our mental body, from the health of our community to the health of our whole Earth.”

There was just one problem—they had no idea where to start.

“At first, we were having a difficult time figuring out how to get started,” Driggers said. “None of us had ever done anything like this before... Our biggest challenge was that we did not really know how and where to begin.”

But they didn’t let uncertainty slow them down. The team dove into research, learning about composting basics and sketching out a plan. That path led them to Christopher Woodburn, DPS’s Program Manager for Gardens and Solid Waste Diversion. With Woodburn’s support and a growing coalition of volunteers—including Health Club members, students from the Center Program, and other staff and students across the building—DSST: Montview’s composting dream quickly became a reality.

In just four months, DSST: Montview rolled out a full-fledged waste diversion system in the cafeteria. Gone are the nine trash cans of the past; now, students sort their waste into one landfill bin, one recycling bin and one compost bin.. By stacking trays and properly sorting their waste, the school has reduced its cafeteria trash from 18 bags a day to just one—a major win for the planet, and a time-saver for custodial staff.

The impact has been so impressive that even the experts are taking notice.

“We were told by Woodburn that MTV HS has been the most successful composting launch for a high school that he has ever been a part of for any DPS school,” Driggers said. “This was such a cool thing to hear and totally unexpected. It really helped to solidify all of the hard work and dedication our team put into this project. It also gave us a great sense of confidence in our ability to make things happen successfully from a thought to action, to completion.”

But for DSST: Montview, success isn’t just about waste diversion—it’s about education, empowerment, and long-term change. The club invited leaders from DPS Sustainability and the City and County of Denver to speak at a school-wide assembly. They partnered with the nonprofit We Don’t Waste to conduct a food waste audit, which revealed even more ways to make an impact, like recovering uneaten fruit, vegetables, and cheese sticks and sharing them with local food banks. That food share program will launch next year.

“I would have to say that one surprising thing I have learned through this experience is, when you have a thought, an idea of doing something big, and you don’t really know what you are doing, if you simply take a step forward and put your thought into action, the entire process seems to just come together for you,” Driggers shared. “Whether it’s composting, finding sustainable solutions, or any other idea, action steps lead to new threads of resources, new ways of doing things, relationships and connections that give you an undeniable experience.”

And the momentum is only growing. Next year, the Health Club will evolve into the Health and Sustainability Club, with plans to help students earn the Seal of Climate Literacy on their diplomas and move DSST: Montview toward becoming a nationally recognized U.S. Eco-School. Students also attended the DPS Climate Summit, where they heard from Governor Jared Polis and connected with fellow student leaders across the district.

“Sustainability matters for students and schools because it fosters environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and long-term well-being,” Driggers said. “This education empowers students to become informed, proactive citizens who contribute positively to their communities and the planet. I hope that other schools can look at DSST: Montview as a prime example of a forward-thinking, solutions-based school... led by the students who want to see a better future for themselves, their community and for all those they love.”