The students of Knox Elementary were ready to get dirty for Earth Day. Even the distinguished guests, dressed in suits and ties, got in on moving some dirt.

The school celebrated Earth Day with a beautification workday to liven the grounds at Knox. All children were given the opportunity to spend time outside, whether that be planting, raking or creating art with Charlie Lucas from recycled items.

“My goal, and the staff goal, is to be sure that every child has an opportunity to participate in touching some dirt and planting flowers and see the aggressiveness of us cleaning up this schoolyard,” said Eddie Williams, one of the coordinators of the event. “Hopefully, some of that will rub off on them and plant some seeds within them.”

Local companies donated trees and flowers to decorate the exterior of the school. Many of the trees were planted in the tree garden behind the school, complete with laminated tags labeling the type of tree for future learning purposes.

The tree planted in front of the school near the marquee is in honor and memory of the children lost or who have survived the recent earthquake in Haiti.

The school will send something to a community in Haiti to let them know of the tree planting.

Four Seasons Garden Center donated the Vitex tree to honor the Haitian children.

Volunteers from Concordia College social work club helped prepare flowerbeds and assisted the students in planting and mulching.

“I’m glad we’re working on the grass, raking, getting the leaves up and stuff like that,” said Knox student Rodriquez Brown.

He began the morning by raking away mulch and debris so new mulch could be added later.

“My favorite part about doing this today is playing in the dirt, planting trees and helping others,” Rodriquez said.

Children also learned the importance of preserving the Earth and recycling in classes during April. They decorated the halls of the school with posters encouraging recycling and environmentally friendly habits.

Earth Day began in 1970 by Gaylord Nelson as a day to speak out about national and local environmental issues.