Photos
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Jason Doniloski welcomed students to the event. Credits: Jennifer Jean Miller
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Mayor Rosemarie Maio reads the proclamation. Credits: Jennifer Jean Miller
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A ceremonial layer of mulch is placed over the roots of the tree. Credits: Jennifer Jean Miller
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Janice Hunts of the Shade Tree Commission watches the festivities. Credits: Jennifer Jean Miller
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Students sing "This Land Is Your Land". Credits: Jennifer Jean Miller
Tree Dedicated for Arbor Day at Stanhope School
Friday, April 27, 2012 • 11:24pm
STANHOPE, NJ – Students at the Stanhope School gathered today to commemorate Arbor Day, with the dedication of a Kousa Dogwood Tree in front of the school.
The Stanhope Shade Tree Commission donated the tree to the school. The tree had already been planted, and ceremoniously received a layer of mulch to honor its arrival.
“I would like to thank the Shade Tree Commission for the donation of the Kousa Dogwood Tree,” said Physical Education Teacher, Jason Doniloski, who welcomed the students, and, emceed the event.
Stanhope Borough Mayor Rosemarie Maio attended the celebration, taking to the podium with a proclamation for the school.
Maio read a quote, which she thought would best suit the occasion.
“’The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago, and the second best time to plant a tree is now,’” Maio quoted.
I’m sure this tree will be here for the next 20 years, if not more,” she added.
She asked that all citizens of the municipality celebrate Arbor Day, which the actual day was marked today.
“We are delighted to give you this tree,” said Maio.
First grade students read the poem, “Arbor Day” by Betty Foust Smith.
Eighth grade officers Francesca Caravano, and Patrick Henry, recited some Arbor Day facts.
“Why is the tree barking?” Caravano asked the students, then replied, “Because it’s a dogwood!”
Many of the students exploded in laughter at the joke.
Doniloski thanked Janice Hunts, who chairs the Shade Tree Commission, prior to students singing, “This Land Is Your Land.”
National Arbor Day is celebrated the last Friday of each April in New Jersey. It was first celebrated in Nebraska on April 10, 1874, as a tree planting holiday during a meeting of the Nebraska State Board of Agriculture. Counties and individuals that planted the greatest amount of trees would be awarded prizes, and, that day, approximately one million trees were planted. After Nebraska, other states joined in during the 1870’s to celebrate their own Arbor Days. Schools began celebrating in 1882.
Last year the Arbor Day Foundation planted over 8.7 million trees.
The Kousa Dogwood grows to about 15 to 20 feet in height, with a 25 foot spread. It sprouts white flowers, and its leaves turn purple and scarlet in the fall.
Click here to learn more about the Arbor Day Foundation.
