When Ms. Jennifer Raymond assigned a research paper in her English 1 class, she let students choose what they wanted to write about.

Freshman Alexa Beal chose to do a research paper on the benefits of being plant-based because she got to learn more about what she is interested in.

“I am interested in the benefits of being plant-based right now because I am planning on going plant-based, and in doing so, I need to know more about it.”

A plant-based diet is a diet based on food derived from plants, including vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes and fruits, but with few or no animal products.

She has learned a few interesting things that she is glad she learned.

“I’ve learned that any animal product can be replaced with an even better plant-based one,” she said. “It is good for the environment, and I also learned that you have a lower risk of getting cancer.”