Bristol Tennessee City Schools celebrated Arbor Day today with a tree planting ceremony at Avoca Elementary School. This annual tradition honors both Arbor Day and Earth Day by enhancing our campuses with new trees and helping students connect with nature.
A total of 11 trees were planted at Avoca Elementary, thanks to the continued partnership with several community organizations: Bristol Tennessee Essential Services, Bristol Tennessee Parks and Recreation, Steele Creek Park Nature Center, Tree City USA Board, Tennessee State Division of Forestry, and the National Arbor Day Foundation. Each year, these partners work together to select a school site for the annual planting and provide students with an engaging environmental learning experience.
Fifth graders at Avoca attended a special program where representatives from the partner organizations spoke about the importance of trees, their environmental benefits, and why Arbor Day is celebrated. After the ceremony, students joined Jeremy Stout from Steele Creek Park Nature Center to help mulch the newly planted trees.
As part of the celebration, Avoca Principal Denise McKee made a heartfelt presentation in honor of two beloved longtime Avoca educators: Kay Ward and Kimberly Campbell. Ms. Ward, now serving as the district’s family and community engagement coordinator and organizer of the Arbor Day event, had a tree planted in memory of her sister, Joan Marler. Ms. Campbell, Avoca first-grade teacher, had a tree planted in memory of her daughter, Erin Page. Both originally had trees planted at the school but were lost during recent renovations. Principal McKee formally dedicated two of the new trees in their memory, ensuring their legacies continue to grow at Avoca.
BTCS is proud to participate in this annual celebration, combining environmental stewardship with meaningful community connections and learning.
