Sawgrass Springs Middle School
10 feet above sea level
On May 30, 2025, Sawgrass Springs Middle School became the 16th Broward County school to host The Underwater, marking a major milestone in the county-wide effort to engage youth in climate resilience through public art. With a campus situated at 10 feet above sea level, students saw firsthand how geography and climate are intertwined—and how their school’s elevation could become a rallying cry for awareness and action. Artist Xavier Cortada painted a bold, site-specific elevation mural to anchor this message in the heart of campus.
Youth Voices for a Resilient Future
Through a powerful climate assembly led by Xavier Cortada and Adam Roberti, students learned how sea level rise directly affects their lives—and how their choices and actions can create ripples of change. The session combined scientific insight with creative energy, culminating in students crafting their own Underwater elevation yard signs to place at home.
Building Momentum
To reinforce the learning and keep the momentum going:
• Students received “HELLO my elevation is ___” stickers to wear and share
• Elevation Cards provided QR-code access to resources for finding and sharing elevation data
• Underwater T-shirts rewarded active and curious student participants
Sawgrass Springs Middle students are now part of a powerful youth-driven narrative that blends science, storytelling, and civic engagement. Their participation strengthens the growing fabric of climate awareness across Broward County’s school system.