Sussex Academy Students Plant 30 Trees | Delaware

Sussex Academy middle and high school students planted about 30 magnolia and willow saplings at the elementary campus on May 21.

Senior Katya Geyer organized the project and secured funding through a grant from the Delaware Botanic Gardens. Students from the middle school Student Leadership Club, Environmental Club and Leader in Me Lighthouse Team joined high school Green Team members to plant the trees near the solar panel system.

"I had always wanted to create an opportunity that connected middle and high school students," Geyer said. "The elementary campus already has a strong natural environment for new saplings, making it the perfect place to bring students together while creating something that will benefit the school community for years to come."

Bella Terra Landscapes & Garden Center guided students through the planting process. Students plan to nurture the saplings over the summer to ensure their survival.

A separate Rodel grant covered transportation for middle school students to the elementary campus. Middle School Dean Rachael Johnston said the funding provided students "a meaningful opportunity to collaborate with high school students on a service-learning project focused on environmental stewardship, leadership and community impact."