May 8, 2023
Second graders at Bryden Elementary dug into Arbor Day by planting two red maple trees along Letchworth Road.
Students in Bryden’s Leadership Council and Save the Earth club participated in an Arbor Day celebration, hosted May 5 by the City of Beachwood. The program opened with a poem about the importance of trees read by eight-year-olds Patrick Srithai, Shin Hashiba, and Kelly Reiner. The event, which was rescheduled from April 28 due to rain, also included an official proclamation from Mayor Justin Berns and speeches from city and school officials.
Beachwood’s environmental manager Chris Vild praised the second graders for doing their part for the planet. “They are our future leaders and stewards of our town,” said Mr. Vild. “Every day can be Arbor Day if you care about trees and the planet.”
Kevin Houchins, the Beachwood Schools Director of Equity and Community Engagement, told students, “This is a great opportunity for our City leadership and our school district leadership to come out and support you all as these trees will benefit you in the future.”
Following the opening ceremony, students received a quick lesson on how to properly plant a tree and had a blast exploring a bucket truck. Arborists showed the youngsters their gear and shared what a day on the job is like. Most of all, students enjoyed getting out of the classroom and getting their hands dirty for a cause that will pay dividends for many decades to come.
Second grader Diego Martinez said, “I can’t wait to come back in 30 years when I’m 38 and show my children the trees I planted.”