For the second year, Arborwood Elementary Campus welcomed elected community members, members of the Monroe Public Schools central administration, and a Board of Education member to celebrate Arbor Day. “I felt it was an honor that we were chosen by the city to celebrate and host a wonderful event,” Steve Pollzzie, principal of Arborwood said. “We are grateful for the beautiful trees that will grace our campus and we hope to continue the tradition for years to come.”

After months of planning with City of Monroe Forestry and Grounds Supervisor Tony Abbott, six more Tulip Poplars were planted on the campus grounds, four along Linwood Ave. and two on the south field. Eighteen fifth grade students assisted City of Monroe forestry crew members in planting the trees before a ceremony dedicating the trees and the day. Arborwood’s student body assembled on the field to witness the dedication and take part in the celebration.

“This was a great experience for our students to meet dignitaries from throughout the community and be a part of Monroe’s bicentennial celebration,” Megan Alexander (Angerer), Dean of Students at Arborwood, said. “Being a Green School, Arborwood is proud to house this annual event, bringing awareness to environmental concerns in the community and teaching students about the importance of trees.”

In attendance were Mayor Robert Clark, State Representative Joe Bellino, City Cleark/Treasurer Michelle LaVoy and former State Representative Bill LaVoy. Also present were Board of Education member Robert Nichols, Director of Human Resources Cindy Flynn, and Director of Student Services.

“We are so happy to have our school community be able to celebrate this occasion with elected members of the community,” Julie Everly, superintendent of Monroe Public Schools said. “We are grateful for our partnership with the City of Monroe, especially when we are able to collaborate for wonderful events like this one.”

After an opening statement from Mr. Pollzzie, City of Monroe Director of Engineer and Public Services Patrick Lewis gave the students an Arbor Day history lesson, which has roots in Monroe as J. Sterling Morton, Arbor Day founder, lived in town for years. He then proudly stated the number of trees in Monroe. “As of today we have 11,000 trees planted in the City of Monroe,” Mr. Lewis said. “Well, now we have 11,006.”

Mayor Clark then gave a few remarks about the day and the importance of the occasion before delivering the second annual Arborwood Arbor Day proclamation and dedicating the ceremonial tree. Mayor Clark enthusiastically praised Arborwood, tossing out an emphatic “Go Eagles!” to an excited student body.

After Mayor Clark’s comments, four fifth graders read aloud poems marking the occasion. Judah Blunt, Alice Kuntz, Leahna Rath, and Abigail Medley were selected from dozens of submissions to read their work in front of the assembly. Their poems covered the importance of trees and pleas for kindness to nature and to plant more.

The City of Monroe also graciously donated snacks for the entire student body to enjoy to celebrate the occasion.