The “Your Roots are Always in Chatham-Kent” initiative celebrates the achievements of students across Chatham Kent, graduating from secondary and post-secondary education.
Each graduating class is commemorated with a tree planted in their honour on campus or at a Municipal park close to their school.
In the 2012 Chatham-Kent Survey of Young People (15–39 years), conducted by the Municipality of Chatham-Kent’s Resident Attraction and Retention (RAR) Division, 84% of respondents stated that they would like to remain connected to Chatham-Kent regardless of where they live and what they do in the future.
This tree planting initiative aims to highlight the connection each student has to Chatham-Kent, memorialized by a plaque at the base of each tree, reminding them that their “roots” will always be in Chatham-Kent.
This is an opportunity for our community to demonstrate support and appreciation for our young people as they move on to their next ventures.
Tree planting ceremonies will take place for all participating schools, with the involvement of staff and students. All members of the public are welcome to attend. Information regarding tree locations and ceremonies is as follows:
Blenheim District High School – B-Fit Park, Blenheim – Mon, June 1 – 1:30PM
Chatham Christian High School – Keil Drive Soccer Field, Chatham – Fri, May 29 – 9:00AM
Chatham-Kent Secondary School – Ross Babcock Park, Chatham – Mon, June 1 – 10:30AM
École secondaire de Pain Court – Centennial Park/PC Trail, Chatham – Wed, May 27 – 11:45AM
Lambton-Kent Composite School – Stranak Park, Dresden – Wed, May 27 – 1:30PM
John McGregor Secondary School Mud Creek, Chatham Mon, June 1 – 11:45AM
Ridgetown District High School Watson Park, Ridgetown Fri, May 29 – 11:30AM
St. Clair College – Thames Campus On Campus Wed, May 27 – 10:00AM
Tilbury District High School – Knights of Columbus Park, Tilbury – T.B.D.
University of Guelph – Ridgetown College – On Campus Fri, June 5 – 10:00AM
Ursuline College (The Pines) – Percy Park Outfield, Chatham – Thurs, May 28 – 11:30AM
Wallaceburg District High School – Crothers Park, Wallaceburg – Tues, May 26 – 9:30AM
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent’s Community Development Department, the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit, Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority, The Greening Partnership and TD Canada Friends of the Environment Foundation collaborated to sponsor this initiative.
