Nothing can keep new Etowah counselor Travis Schmid from the great outdoors. Because of his love for the environment, Schmid started the Eco Action Recycling Tree Huggers (E.A.R.T.H) club soon after he joined Etowah’s counseling department.

Schmid is working on preparing the E.A.R.T.H club for Etowah students. His focus for the club is to collect and recycle thrown-out paper from classrooms.

“I’ve been in charge of a recycling club at just about every school I’ve been to. I noticed we didn’t have one, and I thought it was needed,” Schmid said.

Schmid likes spending time mountain biking, surfing, swimming, and riding his motorcycle. He appreciates the freedom of nature. During the winter, Schmid spends his time snowboarding. He learned how to snowboard in his sophomore year of college, and it is now his favorite sport.

“I like anything outdoors,” Schmid said.

Schmid tries to hike as often as he can. The longest trail he has hiked in a day was a 22-mile hike. He has plans to finish hiking the Appalachian Trail.

“I usually average about 12 miles a day if I’m going to go out,” Schmid said.

When he is not enjoying the outdoors, Schmid oversees 400 students with last names Sao-Z. He manages the Fine Arts Diploma Seal process, helps students prepare for college, and tracks where students go after high school. Schmid previously taught in Cobb County but decided to join Etowah’s staff to have a shorter commute and because he recognized some of Etowah’s teachers from other schools.

This year, Schmid is going to help keep Etowah down-to-earth.