Emerson College student, Jade Zaroff won the BGA’s 2016 College Green Captain Award due to her dedication to creating an eco-aware student body through her leadership during the Emerson Green Gala.

This annual event at the Paramount Theater is hosted with a mission to drive conscious awareness of Earth Day and the environment into the minds and hearts of Emerson College students, faculty, and the Boston community. The gala that was hosted the year prior included several of Emerson’s recognized student organizations and over 120 student performers, each presenting a specialized performance piece.

This year’s gala began with a reception in the theater’s lobby and included informational booths, live music, recycled playbills, organic t-shirts, merchandise from Broadway Green Alliance, and catered vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free food. The show began shortly after, featuring guest judges, a speech made by President Pelton, videos to exemplify the importance of Earth Day, and more. All ticket proceeds from the gala went towards the Emerson Green Enhancement Fund, dedicated to making on-campus living more sustainable.

Zaroff made this year’s gala a competition, involving both live performance and film submissions that include messages around sustainability. Chosen by an all-star alumni panel, the winners received $1,000 cash prizes, and the winning film was presented at the beginning of the show. This event and Zaroff’s leadership have created a fun and engaging way of uniting the Emerson student body in increasing environmental awareness.