HIGH POINT, N.C., March 23, 2015 – High Point University planted trees at four local elementary schools for North Carolina Arbor Day. Montlieu Academy of Technology, Shadybrook Elementary, Johnson Street Global Studies and each received a purple plum tree that was planted at their school by HPU staff members. Arbor Day is a holiday dedicated to tree planting and increasing awareness of the importance of trees.
“Arbor Day is very important, not only for our school but for the entire planet,” says Ged O’Donnell, principal at Montlieu Academy of Technology. “It is just another example of how if you plant something, water, feed and take care of it, it will grow into something magnificent. This is what Montlieu Academy of Technology and High Point University plan to do with our students and our community.”
Students at Montlieu Academy eagerly waited for their purple plum tree to be planted while Jon Roethling, curator of grounds at HPU, asked what they love about trees.
“I love trees because they are fun to play in, give us a fresh fruit and give us shade,” said Jakai Cross, first-grader at Montlieu Academy of Technology
“High Point is our community, to me this is about engaging the youth in the community and a way for us to increase the outreach for not only the university but the gardens,” says Roethling.
High Point University students in the education program fulfill their field experience at these schools by student teaching. The university will hold an official Arbor Day celebration on its campus on April 23. For more information click here.