Swampscott High School junior Nikki Carr saw a notification pop up on her screen earlier this year from her AP Biology teacher Michelle Yanofsky.

Carr, who has always been interested in science, learned about an open position on the town’s Climate Action and Resilience Committee (CARC).

Carr did some research on the CARC and its mission, reached out to the group and soon after she became a committee member.

“I was intrigued by their forward-thinking approach,” said Carr. “They aren’t just looking at today’s problems, but are proactively fixing issues that could arise 10, 15 or even 50 years from now. Seeing how much they do for Swampscott made me realize this was a team I wanted to join and learn from.”

The CARC was formed in 2021 to help reduce emissions and mitigate impacts of climate change in Swampscott through advocacy and collaboration with elected officials.

CARC Chair Martha Schmitt said students have served on the committee in the past, but there had been a vacancy for a while until Carr reached out.

“It seems she will be hands-on and involved,” said Schmitt. “It’s great to have someone with the enthusiasm she has and the fresh perspective of someone younger.”

Some of the committee members are already retired or nearing the end of their careers, Schmitt explained, and Carr’s point of view could help bring new ideas and ties to different members of the community. Both Carr and Schmitt believe the new partnership will help the mission of the CARC reach the ears of more people in the community.

“I hope to leave a lasting impact by serving as a bridge between our local government and Swampscott’s youth, ensuring that my generation’s voice and future are actively represented in our town’s climate plans,” said Carr.

Schmitt said Carr’s familiarity with the school, students and parents could help outreach efforts to certain populations that have been harder to reach.

Carr said her first meetings as a member have consisted of a lot of note-taking and question asking as she learns more about the committee and its efforts.

“My favorite part has been discovering environmental challenges I hadn’t previously thought about,” said Carr. “The committee members are so knowledgeable, creative, and hardworking. Every meeting and email exchange is an opportunity to learn, and it’s deeply motivating to collaborate with people who are so dedicated to making a difference in our community every single day.”

Schmitt said it’s already clear that Carr brings knowledge and curiosity to the table.

“She’s not coming in uninformed,” said Schmitt. “She’s been involved in some climate action activity in Nahant. She has experience with related topics.”

When she’s not in the classroom or at a CARC meeting, Carr can likely be found on tennis courts in the area. She stars on the Swampscott High School girls tennis team, which finished the 2026 regular season with an undefeated record.

She is set to serve on the committee for two years until she finishes high school. During that time, Carr hopes to leave an impact on people in her age group.

“I wish to inspire my generation and show them that caring about our environment is cool, especially living in a beach town,” she said.