by Sophie Johnson,
SCS eighth grade student intern

Every year on Green Up Day eighth graders from Shelburne Community School grab their rakes, lace-up their boots, and take off for different sites around Shelburne. Last Friday, for ninety minutes, they raked leaves, laid mulch, scrubbed ponds, and picked up garbage. Students, in groups of ten or so, walked to the Arbors, the Field House soccer fields, the square between the Pierson Library and the Town Hall, the baseball fields, the pond in front of the Firehouse, and the Recreational Path, running from Harbor Road to Bay Road. They came back covered in mud, exhausted, with big grins on their faces. They knew they had accomplished something worthwhile for the community. They were rewarded with a plaque, which was mounted on the walls of the school, saying thank-you for all their hard work. These students will be saying goodbye to SCS this June, and "This is their way to give back to the Community," quotes Mr. Bossange, their principal who will be retiring next year. For eight years, eighth graders have participated in Green Up Day. This tradition should be kept.