While schools around the District recognized Earth Day earlier in the week, a group of 8th Graders at Euclid Middle School extended the celebration by participating in an engaging Arbor Day experience centered on environmental education and reforestation on April 24, 2026.
The afternoon began in Mrs. Rapsawich’s classroom, where students learned from a panel of local experts that included Roy Larick of the Euclid Shade Tree Commission, City of Euclid Urban Forester Jody Lathwell, educators Callie Sommers and Tim Becker from Cuyahoga Soil & Water Conservation District, and Michael Emrich from Bartlett Tree Experts. Students learned about the importance of trees in supporting clean air, managing stormwater and strengthening local ecosystems, while also gaining insight into careers such as urban forestry, conservation and environmental science.
Following the classroom session, students, teachers, Superintendent Karen Brown and the presenters walked to the Oak grove at Memorial Park, located near C.E. Orr Arena to meet Mayor Kirsten Holzheimer-Gail. The grove, which features more than 100 trees – primarily Pin Oaks – has been a popular location for Arbor Day and other tree planting events for the Euclid Schools and Shade Tree Commission.
At the grove, Mr. Larick led students on a guided tour, pointing out the different types of trees and explaining how they grow and thrive in the suburban environment. Then Ms. Lathwell demonstrated the proper process for planting a tree, walking students through each step from site preparation to placement and care.
With the demonstration complete, students broke into small groups and put their learning into action by planting their own trees. The experience gave the students an opportunity to contribute directly to the environment and their community while reinforcing the lessons learned earlier in the day.
By combining classroom instruction with hands-on activities and community engagement, the Arbor Day planting gave students a better understanding of environmental stewardship and the role they can play in shaping a more sustainable Euclid.
