Students for Public Lands raise money to honor Austin Gambill

Brody Daw

October 4, 2023

This plaque memorializes Austin, and is at the VHS track. Photo by: Brody Daw

Students for Public Lands continues on their journey to raise $25,000

As the school year begins, Students for Public Lands (SPL) continues its two and a half year quest to raise $25,000 to honor its members’ late classmate, Austin Gambill ‘22, with a bench and an oak tree at Harmon Canyon Preserve in Ventura. Gambill passed away on March 13, 2020, after being struck by a vehicle while running. He was a member of the VHS Cross Country and Track & Field teams. More than three years later, SPL continues to persist in carrying on his legacy of compassion and positivity.

SPL’s goal is to build inclusive running communities that work together to encourage awareness about environmental issues. SPL is working alongside Runners for Public Land (RPL), its adult counterpart, to achieve their goals and promote a greater initiative to protect the environment.

SPL President Athena Thasiah ‘25 said, “We are confident that we will be able to raise the $25,000, Austin was and is an integral part of cross country and VHS.”

Thasiah’s father, Victor Thasiah, is president of RPL. Athena Thasiah claims that a deep passion for the environment runs in the family. She said, “I am very excited about being president of SPL, obviously our biggest goal this year would be to raise $15,000 more. The initial surge of money equaled about $10,000 in two months, [which was gathered online], and we are hoping to broadcast on the radio, and rewrite [our] initial article to have a second [wave] of money.”

Austin Gambill ’22 running for the cross country team. Photo by: Ventura Land Trust

SPL’s original goal was to plant an oak tree in Harmon Canyon, but when its $10,000 goal was met and surpassed, they decided to add a bench to its goal. “We just want the best for Austin,” said Athena Thasiah.

Abby Gonzalez ‘25, SPL member, said, “I am excited to start fundraising again. Austin would have graduated last year, and I think it’s fitting that he has both a bench and oak tree planted in his honor [in order] to leave behind a mark of his legacy here at VHS.”

SPL’s plan to raise money is to collaborate with RPL and fundraise at events they will host in the coming year, such as fundraisers. The club also is planning on petitioning the community to raise money. Athena Thasiah said, “We know $25,000 is a lofty goal, but we are determined and we are hopefully counting on the community to help us obtain our goal.”