Cleaning up schools results in prize money
A little cleaning up can go a long way. Just ask the students and staff at Warren Academy. After participating and winning the county’s second annual School Beautification Project, the school is not only more attractive, but it’s a little richer too.
The school’s students, as well as those at seven other county schools, participated in the project which encouraged them to clear trash and create unique landscaping ideas for their school. Ideal areas targeted for cleanup and new landscaping were previously neglected areas of the campus.
The project was open to all county schools and each school which participated received $200 courtesy of a grant made possible through the Keep Tennessee Beautiful organization. Some schools used this money to purchase landscaping and other beautification items, while others sought donations from local businesses and nurseries.
With first place, Warren Academy received an additional $200. The school used the half of its earnings to purchase a concrete picnic table and several concrete flower pots used in beautification efforts. The remaining prize money will go toward a reward picnic for the students and for the purchase of Life Skills workbooks.
“We’re thrilled to death,” said Warren Academy director Diane Stanley. “Our students worked very hard and were very enthusiastic about this project. They like to work with their hands and be productive. They are very proud of themselves.”
Finishing second, with an additional $100 prize, was Hickory Creek Elementary. Third place, with an additional $50 prize, was Bobby Ray Elementary. Other schools participating were Dibrell, West, Centertown, Warren County Middle School and Boyd.
In all, Warren County students planted 50 trees and 840 bulbs.
“All of the participants did a really great job, much more than was required,” said Melanie Lanier, chairperson of the local Keep Warren County Beautiful committee. “Next year we hope to see 100 percent participation. Schools are always in need of money and this is a way to get some extra money just for getting your hands dirty.”