NJ Teen's Mural, Garden, and Mental Health Work Honored

When Caroline Kilmer graduated from Clearview Regional High School this spring, she left behind more than memories. She left gardens full of native flowers, a hand-painted mural, and a self-help station where struggling students could find mental health resources without asking for help.

The Harrison Township Committee honored the 18-year-old with a special proclamation on July 20, recognizing her volunteer work that ranged from environmental projects to fundraising for animal shelters. Her impact touched nearly every corner of the South Jersey community.

Kilmer served as student liaison to the township's environmental commission for three years, a rare role for a high schooler. She used that position to launch a native garden at Clearview that attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, part of the New Jersey Climate Challenge.

She also installed a rain barrel system at the school that prevents polluted asphalt runoff from entering local waterways. The collected rainwater now irrigates the school's gardens, creating a closed loop that benefits both students and the environment.

But Kilmer's work extended beyond green spaces. She organized a community movie night that raised $300 for a local animal shelter and hosted a shoe drive to help families in need. Her public mural will soon greet visitors at the future Dr. Irene Hill Smith Community Park.

Perhaps most impactful was the mental health resource station she established at school. Students could access help quietly, removing the barrier of having to ask an adult for support during a vulnerable moment.

The Ripple Effect

Committeeman Kevin French, who worked directly with Kilmer on the environmental commission, said her service "set an honorable example, inspiring others to participate in volunteering their services to their community." That ripple is already visible in Harrison Township, where more young people have stepped up to join local committees and volunteer projects since Kilmer began her work in 2023.

Kilmer maintained a 102 weighted GPA (fourth in her class) while juggling four years of marching band, student council, and environmental club leadership. She heads to Barnard College of Columbia University this fall.

French called Kilmer "a very impressive young lady" with "extreme dedication and heart for others." For a township official who works with community members every day, that's high praise for someone who just turned 18.