Group of Alumni and athletes help achieve the school’s beautification goal by planting trees.
Tree planting project helps to improve TJ "curb appeal."
On Thursday August 20th, Alumni and Parent Volunteer Kendra Black and the 2009 Thomas Jefferson boys’ soccer teams showed their appreciation to the school by devoting their labor and know-how to help enrich the TJ appearance.
Through sweat and strength, the boys were able to squeeze in some team bonding time while digging holes, planting trees and laying mulch in the front of the school. “While performing their civic duty, the soccer team embodied this year’s goal: This is the standard to which we rise above,” Soccer Coach Jon Poole commented. Poole found out about the tree planting opportunity through the Spartan Alumni Association and the School Culture Committee. The two groups teamed up to help create and build on the culture of the school and show respect for the surroundings, with a common goal of improving the school’s image.
Kendra Black has been the backbone of these efforts. Her guidance and energy was key in helping to get the trees planted in an effective and efficient way. “Many of us put in a lot of hard work to help improve these aspects of the school,” said Black, as she continues to show her dedication as she waters the trees daily. Black is a TJ alumnus (class of 1982) and currently has a sophomore, Griffin Black, attending TJ, which keeps her linked to the school’s community.
Black was able to connect with the City and County of Denver Million Tree Program, which donated five trees (four ornamental pear trees and one London Plane tree). Her goal was to create a pleasant and welcoming entrance to the school building. “I wanted the front of the school to look better,” Black said.
During the summer these efforts began to take place when many members of the TJ community came together to install benches and lay fresh paint. “These community work days increase school pride and better our building and grounds,” Black said.
“It’s critical to understand and value the importance of the community. They [student athletes] need to show their appreciation to the school,” Coach Poole commented as he reflected on the team’s efforts. He hopes that they understood the significance of their actions and were able to embrace the opportunity and gain respect for their school community.
“It was cool to see them working hard to plant and interact with each other and their coach. They were able to leave their mark while making the school a better place for their fellow students,” TJ Principal Sandra Just remarked. Just believes that so far these beautification efforts have had a very positive outcome not only on the TJ appearance but on the students and staff as well.
The boys made it evident that they were able to come out of this project feeling like they gave back to their school. Keith Warren, a TJ soccer player say, “It was nice to be able to make the school look pretty. It was a great bonding experience for the whole team; we learned a lot about each other and nature.”
Tommy Moehlman, also a soccer player and DECA officer, said, “We got to show our school pride because we helped contribute towards making the school look better for everyone.”
These efforts will all go towards promoting the TJ Summit Retreat, which will be taking place on Saturday, September 12th from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. held at TJ. The Summit will be a day-long retreat where different members of our TJ community will come together to brainstorm and create a plan to, “Build a Community around respect and school beautification and pride.” Save the date TJ! The community hopes to see you there.
