Courtesy of San Benito High School Superintendent Shawn Tennenbaum:
Dear San Benito High School Parents, Students and Community:
As part of an effort to create a more beautiful, comfortable and environmentally-friendly campus, nearly 160 trees will be planted throughout the San Benito High School by the end of the month thanks to the district’s adopt-a-tree program and a senior gift from AVID students.
Seventy eight crape myrtle and cinnamon trees have been purchased and are in the process of being planted as part of the school’s Adopt-A-Tree Program, through which donors can contribute $50 and have a name plate signifying the donor’s name or the name of a business or person in whose honor the tree is being planted, along with a message.
Some donors have donated trees on behalf of an alumnus, or a local business, a former teacher or their family. Among those noted on the plaques are the SBHS campus supervisors, the 1944 valedictorian, and current students.
As its senior gift to campus, our AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program fundraised and purchased 80 trees to plant on campus, which will help reduce the 116-acre school’s carbon footprint, while eventually creating more shade for students, faculty and staff.
SBHS AVID student Jeel Patel said it was his, David Gonzalez’ and Jasmine Cardenas’ goal “to get AVID to make an impact on our school and the environment” by planting one tree for each AVID senior.
“We fundraised for this through selling chocolate and the BLT (Baler Lunch Time),” he said of the effort that involved all AVID classes, but was spearheaded by the seniors. “This project has shown me that when people get together, anything that seemed far out of reach is possible; all it takes is dedication, no matter the obstacles.” We join Jeel in thanking AVID teachers Christine Dukes and Charlene Hernandez for their support of the student project.
Thus far, 23 of the trees have been planted on the main campus, and 85 have been added on the western campus, including along the River Parkway and near the Career Technical Education building. On the 500’s campus, an additional 10 crape myrtles donated by Val’s Plumbing have been planted and more have been added on the language campus (bordered by Nash Road and San Benito Street) and two blooming jacarandas have been planted near the new ASB building.
The consistent and caring approach from Maintenance, Operations and Transportation Manager Kristy Bettencourt and the entire maintenance team to further the District’s effort to go green has been stellar. Ms. Bettencourt has not only embraced this project, she has exceeded all expectations. Our AVID seniors will leave a legacy for years for future Balers that typifies their generation’s push to combat climate change and to raise awareness that reducing carbon gases is vital to the health of our planet.
SBHS Construction Manager Rob Zimmerman has also supported the tree-planting efforts with his expertise and keen eye for detail.
Once all of the trees are planted and the tree plaques are safely secured, a photo will be taken depicting the tree and location. A thank-you will be sent to each donor letting them know the location and how much we appreciate their generosity.
To our community: You consistently amaze all of us with your generosity. It is truly a great day to be a Baler because of you.
Sincerely,
San Benito High School District Superintendent Dr. Shawn Tennenbaum
