Courtesy of San Benito High School:
Looking to create a more beautiful, comfortable and environmentally-responsible campus, San Benito High School has implemented an Adopt-A-Tree program that aims to plant an additional 50 trees this school year.
For $50 per tree, donors will help reduce the 116-acre school’s carbon footprint, while creating more shade for students, faculty and staff. Sponsored trees will include either a name plate or a rock signifying the donor’s name or the name of a business or person in whose honor the tree is being planted.
As part of ongoing campus construction projects and beautification efforts, 34 trees have been planted on campus this year, with nine redwood trees moved and replanted. The soon-to-open student pathway linking main campus with south campus will feature mature trees that were recently planted. A ribbon-cutting for the pathway is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 12.
Prior to the public announcement of the adopt-a-tree program, five trees have already been sponsored.
“The benefits of adding these trees is not only more shade for our students and added campus beautification, but trees also reduce air pollution, conserve water and reduce soil erosion,” said Kristy Bettencourt, San Benito High School’s maintenance, operations and transportation manager. She also pointed out that trees “save energy, modify the local climate, reduce noise pollution and create wildlife and plant diversity.”
Superintendent Dr. Shawn Tennenbaum said San Benito High School District “is embarking on this ambitious ‘green’ project as part of our overall goal to improve the physical characteristics of our school environment by addressing lighting, indoor air quality, temperature and adding trees. By adding trees and accessible green spaces on campus we are striving to reduce stress, enhance mental health, concentration, and promote environmental awareness.”
Tennenbaum said the district is “extremely proud of the efforts made by our maintenance and custodial teams under the leadership of Ms. Bettencourt. The campus environment continues to improve each day for our staff and students. This a product of the hard work by many to exceed our facility improvement goals. Please help SBHS attain our goal by adding 50 trees to our campus and along the way improving our environment with each tree planted.”Anyone interested in sponsoring a crape myrtle or cinnamon tree should contact Carol Heiderich at 637-5831, ext. 132 or by email at [email protected].
