Batavia Chamber of Commerce issued the following announcement on Nov. 12
The Batavia Chamber of Commerce was thrilled to participate in the unveiling of the first phase of the Batavia High School (BHS) Learning Resource Center (LRC) Courtyard transformation to a self-sustaining ecosystem. The well-attended event took place on Wednesday, Nov. 12 at Batavia High School, 1201 Main Street.
Batavia Mayor Jeffery Schielke presided over the celebration along with BHS cultural studies teacher Elizabeth Faulhaber and Margaret Perreault, president and CEO of the Batavia Chamber. Ms. Faulhaber is also the staff sponsor for the BHS Eco Club, the group who conceived the vision of converting the 170’ x 35’ LRC courtyard into an environmental project. Their goal was a design that would benefit their club studies, while creating a usable place for all students. They presented a plan to BHS administration for transforming the space into a tranquil retreat for student mental health breaks and reflection, a science and ecology club classroom, and service project opportunity for special needs students. After the club pledged to raise the funds and secure professional help for design and installation, the BHS administration enthusiastically sanctioned the project.
Eco Club representatives Mayank Aggarwal, president, and Eleni Salas, vice president, presented their vision to Aquascape, Inc. of St. Charles. The firm agreed to donate a design for phase one along with labor and direction for installation. The club also held fundraisers and secured donations of money and/or materials from Batavia Lions Club, Batavia United Way, Batavia Rotary/Interact Club, Batavia Woman’s Club, Chip In Batavia, the City of Batavia, and the Muetze family.
Representatives from the various service organizations attended the unveiling, along with numerous Eco Club members and their parents. According to Ms. Faulhaber, attendees Mark Anderson and Rob Schmidt from BPS District 101 were instrumental in the project’s successful completion. The key person from Aquascape, Ed Beaulieu, was unable to attend. Instead, Colleen Heitzler, president of Aquascape attended and spoke on behalf of the company.
Other notable quests in attendance were State Senator Linda Holmes and Illinois State Representative Maura Hirschauer. Julie Christman, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley also attended and announced a $5,000 donation as seed money for phase two. The grant comes from The Judy Marzuki Endowment Fund for Nature and Environment through the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley. This fund was established by her siblings in honor of their beloved sister who was profoundly disabled from birth but found enjoyment and peace in nature.
Bridget Dahlberg, David Kleinschmidt and Ian Montrose, BHS special ed teachers worked with the Eco Club to plan the design for special needs students. They will continue to work with the club to find ways for their students to play a greater role in the entire eco courtyard project. Phase two of the project will transform the remaining grass-covered courtyard, incorporating native plants and more.
For anyone interested in contributing to the next phase of this project, contact the Batavia Chamber of Commerce by calling (630) 879-7134.
For those interested in watching a video, click here.
Original source can be found here.
Source: Batavia Chamber of Commerce
Alerts Sign-up