Florida Catholic | Make A Difference Day

Students make a difference at St. Mary, one plant at a time

YVONNE MARTINEZ | FLORIDA CATHOLIC CORRESPONDENT

Published: 11.09.07

Kaitlin Lostroscio, an 8th grader at St. Mary Catholic School in Rockledge, removes yard debris in a clean-up effort for the school's Make a Difference Day project, Oct. 26.
YVONNE MARTINEZ | FC

ROCKLEDGE | Toiling in hot weather under overcast skies, a few hundred children, teachers and staff from St. Mary Catholic School in Rockledge joined forces to make a difference in their community.

As part of a nationwide effort known as “Make A Difference Day,” the participants spruced up the property surrounding the school and church by shoveling, pulling weeds, planting trees, removing debris and more. Armed with gloves, rakes and shovels, they spent nearly two hours of the school day on hands and knees — and in some cases, knee-deep — in a lawn and garden labor of love.

Fourth grader Autumn Pittenger carries a shrub she will plant as part of the Make a Difference Day project, Oct. 26, at St. Mary Catholic School and Parish in Rockledge.

YVONNE MARTINEZ | FC
Fourth grader Autumn Pittenger carries a shrub she will plant as part of the Make a Difference Day project, Oct. 26, at St. Mary Catholic School and Parish in Rockledge.

Using gardening tools brought in by volunteers and parents, the children covered the school and church grounds with more than 200 plants and 16 cubic yards of mulch. “It’s good for the school,” said Morgan Bassett, a fourth-grader. As she helped move a potted tree into place for her classmates to plant, she noted that the school “looks good, but we can make it look better.”

Suzanne Strain, a first-grade teacher, came up with the idea and said that she’s always looking for new and creative ways for the children to get involved with their community. “It’s community building,” she said. “It’s a lot of work, but it’s fun and they can take pride in it when they see the end product.” Part of the community-building project for Make A Difference Day included a new memorial garden to honor the late Sister Joan Cahill, a beloved former principal.

Make a Difference Day is the largest national day of helping others. Created by USA Weekend Magazine, it is a celebration of neighbors helping neighbors and takes place each year on the fourth Saturday of October.

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Students make a difference at St. Mary, one plant at a time

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