Local teachers and students were recognized last week for their efforts to keep the community healthy and beautiful.
The 2015 Mission Communities in Bloom school program was called a huge success by organizers who noted that almost every elementary and secondary school in the district took part.
“All of you did something, small or larger, to make this community better and your school better at the same time,” Bill Elliot told the crowd gathered at the Mission Leisure Centre for a pizza party and awards presentation.
Elliott, a member of mission Communities in Bloom said the local school program is dedicated to encouraging community service, doing good things, environmental responsibility including recycling and composting and school and community beautification.
“This year we have really been pushing school food gardens.”
While every school was recognized for its efforts, a special award of recognition was handed out in the secondary and elementary category.
The top secondary school this year was Hatzic Secondary, while there was a tie between Dewdney Elementary and Albert McMahon Elementary in the other category.
Heather Stewart, president of Mission Community in bloom said the event is a great way to remind the students how important their efforts are, not just locally, but globally.
“Every garden, every little plant does something to improve the environment around us. You are doing work that affects the whole world.”
She said they may think it’s just a little garden, but it’s important.