NEWS                                                                                    Walnut Valley Unified School District

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                   880 S. Lemon Avenue

March 11, 2014                                                                     Walnut, CA 91789

 

Contact:                                                   

Kelli Gile, Office of Community Resources

(909)595-1261 ext. 31204

DIAMOND BAR, CA—The front landscaping at Quail Summit Elementary School now includes eight new trees planted this week.

The lush green Japanese Maples, Camphor trees, and Australian Willows were made possible through a donation from the Great Enlightenment Lotus Society.

On March 11, the school held a ceremony attended by district and local officials to thank the non-profit organization.

“It is a great opportunity for the Quail Summit Elementary and the District to receive this generous tree donation from the Great Enlightenment Lotus Society and at the same time to educate our kids about the importance and meaning of tree planting for our future,” said Walnut Valley Unified School District Board Member Dr. Y. Tony Torng.

Quail Summit 4th and 5th grade student representatives joined the planting celebration.

They drew pictures and wrote thank you cards for the event.

“It’s very important when someone gives you a gift that we say thank you,” said Principal Dr. Alysia Hobbs-Odipo.

Student Body President 5th grader Brianna Hernandez presented a poster and some fun facts about trees.

“With all the electronics we have in this era, sometimes it’s just nice to sit under a tree and read a book. I’m a proud to represent my fellow Quails to show that we care and love our trees. We appreciate your help and sponsorship in planting these trees and beautifying our school,” she said

Another Quail Summit student, 4th grader Kenzie Wilson, accompanied by 5th grader Mara Firtat, sang an original song about beautiful trees.

Then all the students gathered around the last new tree and began planting with rich soil.

Lead Grounds Maintenance Worker Gene Kennebrew shared information about the species including it will grow to a towering 75’tall.

“This is a Camphor tree and these were originally from Eastern Asia. They were brought to Florida in about 1875. They are excellent for shade and have a nice aroma,” he said.

“We are very happy here today to have Quail Summit Elementary students join us for this great event. When we realize the benefit of the forest, the tree-planting ceremony is very important and meaningful for our society and work,” said William Shen, treasurer of the Bliss and Wisdom Foundation of North America, the organization that founded the Great Enlightenment Lotus Society.

Shen was presented with certificates from the Offices of Senator Bob Huff and Assemblyman Curt Hagman.

“We want to make sure you give us treats, but you walk away with your hands full too!” Dr. Hobbs said.

“I’m not sure if you know it or not, but Diamond Bar is a designated Tree City,” said Jody Roberto, Senior Field Representative for Senator Huff.

“And your school is contributing to that. You’re lucky to be at this beautiful school,” she said.

Quail Summit Elementary Student Body President Brianna Hernandez made a presentation during the tree planting celebration on March 11. Shown with Principal Dr. Alysia Hobbs-Odipo. 

4th grader Kenzie Wilson sang an original song about beautiful trees. She was accompanied by 5th grader Mara Firtat. Shown with Principal Dr. Alysia Hobbs-Odipo. 

Principal Dr. Alysia Hobbs-Odidp presented William Shen with a stack of cards and pictures drawn as a thank you for the donation from the Great Enlightenment Society. 

Senior Field Represenative Jody Roberto presented a Certificate of Recognition to the Great Enlightenment Society for their donation of trees at Quail Summit Elementary. Shown with Michael Shen and Principal Dr. Alysia Hobbs-Odipo. 

Quail Summit students dug into the tree planting ceremony on March 11. Also shown:  Maintenance, Grounds, Operation and Facilities Manager Sam Sornoso. 

Students took shovels to help plant a new tree at Quail Summit Elementary School. 

Officials gathered after a tree planting ceremony at Quail Summit Elementary School on March 11.  The Diamond Bar campus has eight new trees funded by a donation from the Great Enlightenment Society. Shown: Board Member Dr. Y. Tony Torng, Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor, Principal Dr. Alysia Hobbs-Odipo, Senior Field Representative Jody Roberto with members of the Great Enlightenment Society.