Class project 'blossomed' into Evans Middle school-wide improvement

Editor:

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On Monday, March 24, I took part in a project that inspired and uplifted me. I witnessed true teamwork, pride in self and a commitment to improving one's environment.

I was a parent volunteer at Evans Middle School, where the students worked in harmony with The Home Depot to beautify their school. It started out small. The idea was "born" in Gretchen Estrada's sixth-grade gifted math class. Four students - Mason Rogers, Christian Pedraza, Allison Youngsman and Amy Youngsman - accepted the challenge offered by Mrs. Estrada of creating a drought-resistant outdoor garden.

The idea may have started out small, but it quickly "blossomed" into a school-wide improvement project. The administration met with The Home Depot and was asked if more could be done to enhance Evans Middle School.

What happened on that Monday was indeed extraordinary. Students worked together with fellow students, teachers, parents and The Home Depot staff to plant trees, flowers and shrubs. They dug holes for fence posts. They created cement letters spelling out "EMS' in the front of the school and painted the roofs of the baseball dugouts in gold paint. The students placed benches, bird feeders and potted plants around the school, and all of this was donated by The Home Depot in Evans.

As a parent, I was pleased and proud of what happened that day. I applaud Principal Michael Johnson for instilling in his students an understanding of just how much can be done when we all work together. I feel honored to have worked along side of such fine students, teachers and parents and to know that a large corporation like The Home Depot sees us not just as customers, but as members of their community. Way to go, EMS and Team Depot!

Sheila Pedraza

Martinez