Senior Spotlight: August Windel Digs Into Restoration Work at Shabazz and Discovers a Future in Ecology

Before August Windel even realized they had a passion for the outdoors, they were knee-deep in a garden at Malcolm Shabazz City High School, yanking out invasive mint under the summer sun — and loving every minute of it.

Hands muddy and muscles sore, that first summer ecology class was only one of many outdoor, hands-on class experiences that is shaping Windel’s future. 

Project Green Team (PGT) Limnology, a science and physical education class, teaches students not only the fundamentals of freshwater systems, but also the human impact on them. The class collaborates with local organizations for environmental restoration work and explores nature through outdoor activities like snowshoeing, hiking and fly fishing. Another favorite class of Windel’s was Exploring Wisconsin Outdoors, an environmental science course offering students a range of outdoors skills: fire-building, first aid, using and maintaining tools, outdoor cooking, paddling and shelter building.

“The classes immediately sparked a flame in me, and I realized I want to do this for the rest of my life,” Windel said. “It taught me that I like doing restoration work a lot, and I find a lot of joy through that.”

After graduating in just a couple of weeks, Windel will continue their environmental volunteer work this summer with the City of Madison Parks and take courses at Madison College this fall. They are also considering one day pursuing the UW-Stevens Point Wildlife Ecology and Management Program.

Windel credits Shabazz science teachers Robert Banks and Brian Counselman for inspiring their love for restoration work and ecology, and helping them determine their next steps.

“I don’t think I would know myself as well as I do if they hadn’t given me all those opportunities,” they said.

Their advice for incoming freshmen? Be patient. 

“Give yourself time to settle in with your schoolwork and the people around you,” Windel said. “You don’t have to rush into friendships or have everything figured out. Things will evolve naturally.”