On May 22, 2007 the work of fifth graders from Immaculate Conception School in Columbia took first place at the 2007 Illinois Project Citizen portfolio showcase. Students from thirteen classes in Illinois sent portfolios chronicling the steps and future plans for their service projects to the capitol building in Springfield where the judging took place. The winning project and eight of the students who worked on it will present their project at the National Showcase held in Boston, Massachusetts August 5-9.

The 2007 Winning Project: "Heck No, Trees Won't Go!""

The winning project on display in the Capitol Building in Springfield for the Illinois Showcase.		Immaculate Conception fifth graders receive an award for their project and presentation at the April 18 simulated legislative hearing in Red Bud Illinois.

Concerned about the rapid rate of development in their once rural area – and the effect this development was having on local trees - these fifth grade students at Immaculate Conception School (ICS) in Columbia decided it was time to do something. Although they looked at how the problem of cutting down trees effects many levels of government, these 5th graders decided to start by trying to address this issue in their school community.

After looking at a variety of alternatives, the fifth grade students at ICS decided the best way to address the concern of the loss of local trees was to idea have a Family Planting Day for families in their school. They felt this program would benefit their school and community by helping to build unity among families and throughout the school community; making their community more beautiful; helping to build environmental awareness, and helping students learn responsibility as they nurture the tree they planted. The fifth graders next divided up into committees to research the issue, motivate others within the school and raise money that would be needed to purchase the trees. In spring of 2007 the students presented their proposal to the school administration and school board and their project was approved. Family Planting Day for students at ICS in Columbia is scheduled for fall of 2008!

“ I’m very proud of the 5th grade students from Immaculate Conception School in Columbia and their teacher Ms. Tiffany Green for their hard work and dedication,” said Regional Office of Education #45 Superintendent and local Project Citizen district coordinator Marc Kiehna. “These students have shown exceptional ability to research, write, and present their ideas. Their project will positively affect the environment of Monroe County for years to come.”



Last updated: August 15, 2007

Please forward all inquiries regarding the website to webmaster@crfc.org . This website is provided courtesy of the Constitutional Rights Foundation Chicago. Copyright 1998-2006.