In a heartening display of local spirit and environmental stewardship, South El Monte High School students from the Helping Hands of the World and California Scholarship Foundation clubs recently teamed up for a community service project at Plymouth Elementary. Together with the Amigos de los Rios – Emerald Necklace Group, these dedicated young individuals contributed their time and energy to the Greening Site Care project on Saturday, an initiative focused on revitalizing and maintaining the elementary school’s green spaces.
Why This Matters
This project not only enhanced the aesthetic and ecological vitality of Plymouth Elementary but also served as a vital educational tool for students, instilling the values of environmental responsibility and community service. Such activities are important in promoting a sense of unity and civic engagement among youths, showing them the direct impact they can have on their local environments.
Local Involvement
Over 50 high school volunteers participated, undertaking tasks such as planting native shrubs, mulching, and cleaning up the area. Their effort helps to support broader community-based climate solutions, focusing on the importance of natural infrastructure in urban settings.
Amigos de los Rios, a key partner in this initiative, has been instrumental in leading similar efforts across the San Gabriel Valley. Their mission aligns with creating healthier, sustainable urban spaces, and they’ve worked extensively to engage community members, especially youth, in these endeavors.
Community Impact
The immediate benefits of the project were clearly observable. Susan Zhang, a parent of two Plymouth Elementary students, noted, “The school looks more inviting, and it’s wonderful to see young people actively involved in making positive changes. It definitely makes the kids happy to see their school being cared for.”
Additionally, this initiative serves as a continuation of a long-standing relationship between local schools and environmental groups. Past projects have included river clean-ups and tree planting days, helping to foster a community ethos that respects and nurtures environmental health.
Looking Forward
South El Monte High School and Amigos de los Rios plan to continue their partnership, with further events already being scheduled for the upcoming school year. These initiatives are open for more volunteers, offering an excellent opportunity for other community members to get involved.
For those interested in participating, South El Monte High School and Amigos de los Rios welcome new volunteers. Information on upcoming projects can be found on their respective websites or by contacting the school’s community service coordinator.
This ongoing commitment by the young members of our community not only brightens our school campuses but also reinforces the role of active citizenship, setting a powerful example for others to follow.
