Students observe Earth Day
Posted on Wednesday, April 30, 2008
URL: http://www.nwanews.com/decatur/Community/2454/
DECATUR ó High school teacher Jacque Smith brought her eighth grade science class on a field trip to help clean and beautify the city for Earth Day.
She had notified city hall and volunteered the eighth graders time for the project. Smith had been planning this field trip for weeks and it was highly anticipated.
She said ì I just wanted the kids to realize Earth Day and the importance of being good stewards to the Earth. î There was a group of 17 students who were bussed to the city municipal building at 9 a. m.
There, the children were split into groups of two. One group helped city workers plant flowers in front of the building while the other group went to revitalize the horse shoe pits. The children worked hard on each of their tasks as long as they could, but at 10: 30 a. m. they were forced to retreat back to the school because of the downpour.
ó Fatima Vazquez Nothing could stop the students though. They were determined to finish their jobs. At 11 a. m. they went to Crystal Lake to help pick up garbage and litter, and help make the place look nicer. Later in the afternoon they returned to the city hall and the horse shoe pits to finish their previous jobs. Smith said ì Even with all the misfortunes, it still ended up well. î The students completed their jobs later that afternoon and went back to school with a sense of accomplishment. Eighth grader, Fatima Vazquez, said ì Even though some people donít care, I felt good that I did my part and I felt I accomplished something. î She also insisted the project had a great impact on the community.
ì Crystal Lake is to Decatur what the Statue of Liberty is to New York City. Itís the heart of the town, and if the lake is full of filth that makes the town look filthy, but by cleaning the lake, the whole town now seems cleaner. î Vazquez said. Smith had first thought of the idea in February and was happy it turned out well. Now the town has some things to take off their ìto doî list and the students were given the chance to help their home. Decatur High School has been an impact on the community in the past and will continue to in the future.