Fifth-graders celebrate Arbor Day

RITZVILLE – Local fifth-graders recently planted five trees along the Main Street walking path in observance of Arbor Day at the end of April.

To prepare for the event, youngsters also wrote essays answering the question, "What is your favorite tree and why?"

Three finalists presented their essays at City Hall, following a proclamation by Mayor Linda Kadlec and presentation of colors by Boy Scout Troop No. 888 and Cub Scout Pack No. 73.

Landon Williams won first-place with his essay and speech, "The Pine Tree." In his essay, he recounted playing with his dog under the shade of two pine trees in his front yard and relaxing in a hammock strung between the trees.

Jacob Bolin received second-place honors and Calise McKinstry won third-place.

Each was awarded a gift certificate.

Ned Bernath and Mike Geschke were on hand to show participants the proper way to prepare soil for planting trees.

City Councilman and Tree Board Chairman Michael Schrag led the ceremony and introduced other members of the board – Brooke Hayes, Karen Cady, Debbie Chapman and Michelle Keefer.

Spokane Conservation District's Garth Davis attended and presented the "Tree City USA Plaque" to the city.

To receive the award, a city must spend at least $3,200 annually planting trees. Participants were given Scotch pine seedlings and a brochure about planting trees.

"Planting trees is an act of kindness and optimism, a gift for friends, neighbors and future generations," Schrag said in his concluding remarks. "The trees we plant today clean the air, beautify our neighborhoods, provide a home for wildlife, conserve energy and topsoil and help keep the atmosphere in balance."