HOLLAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: City and school officials -- and students -- take time to plant a tree

The City of Taylor and the Taylor School District combined forces to celebrate the tree-planting traditions of Arbor Day on Friday, April 24.

Mayor Rick Sollars, City Councilman Tim Woolley and Executive Director Jeff Dobek of the Golf, Parks and Recreation Department partnered with the administration, Principal Ms. McNiven-King and staff of Holland Elementary School -- along with student representatives from each classroom -- to plant a tree behind the school.

The tree will replace the one previously dedicated to late teacher Carl Matchett, which is weathered and dying. The memorial plaque, dedicating the tree to the former educator, will be placed permanently on the site.

Parks Maintenance Foreman Guido Ulin, himself a graduate of the school, talked about the history of Arbor Day, discussed the tree itself and the importance of how it was to be planted.

Two students read poetry about Arbor Day out loud, and all of the students participated in the actual planting.

Ulin told the children that when they revisit the school in 15 or 20 years, they will see a large beautiful tree -- their own creation.