A group of students in Wayne Community College’s Leadership Development class used a service project to positively impact the College and the environment.
Sara Roush, Ty Johnson, Wilson Hines, Linda Ponce, and Yahaira Rojas planted cherry trees on campus in an area beside the Deacon Jones Automotive Center.
Each year, student groups in WCC’s Leadership Development class participate in leadership service projects of their choosing. “We chose to help spread awareness about local deforestation, which involved getting four trees planted on campus,” Roush said. The group also recycled paper from homework that they gave away at WCC’s annual showcase of student work.
The students began solidifying their project idea and planning for its implementation four weeks into the spring semester. They met with the College’s administration to understand what would be required to get the project approved and to receive recommendations on the type of tree to plant.
WCC Forestry Instructor Jim Brodie helped the students verify that cherry trees were an appropriate selection for the environment and gave them tips on planting techniques. The trees were donated by Casey Nursery and Casey Garden Center of Goldsboro.
When the students were ready to plant the trees, WCC Facilities and Grounds staff assisted them while some of the College’s administration and staff came to support them.
“We want to thank you for what you’ve done,” WCC Vice President of Operations Derek Hunter told the students. “Thank you for contributing to the College. We hope it’s been a rewarding experience for you in your Leadership Development class.”
All five students showed a collective effort to make a difference in the environment and beautification of WCC with the help of administrators, faculty, staff, and local businesses. “It’s great to show that we can physically leave a mark on the campus, showing how you can develop your leadership skills at a community college,” Roush said.
About Wayne Community College
Wayne Community College is a public, learning-centered institution with an open-door admission policy located in Goldsboro, N.C. As it works to develop a highly skilled and competitive workforce, the college serves around 10,000 individuals annually as well as businesses, industry, and community organizations with high quality, affordable, accessible learning opportunities, including more than 150 college credit programs. WCC’s mission is to meet the educational, training, and cultural needs of the communities it serves.