Will Treadway, a senior at Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy, has earned our campus Tree Campus K–12 recognition.
“We are one of 64 schools in the nation and one of six in Ohio to be designated as a Tree Campus K–12 (in the 2022-23 school year),” says Treadway. “I hope we serve as a model for other schools to become more aware of the trees around them and their benefit.”
A program of the Arbor Day Foundation, Tree Campus K–12 honors schools for their commitment to connecting students with trees. The program is one of several ways the foundation works to improve communities through stewarding trees.
Earning CHCA Tree Campus K–12 recognition falls in line with Treadway’s personal interests and professional goals. A tree enthusiast and longtime outdoorsman, he joined the Boy Scouts of America at age 6 and has nurtured a passion for forestry ever since. “Now, whenever I am stressed, I go outside because it always calms me down,” he says. “I want to go into a career where I can have this peace and help others have this peace.”
In collaboration with fellow students, CHCA faculty, and parents, Treadway completed four objectives to meet the Arbor Day Foundation’s requirements to receive the designation: establish a Tree Campus Team to advocate for increased education, create an education plan that includes tree-related learning experiences, provide a hands-on opportunity for students to plant trees, and formally celebrate Arbor Day. Partnering with teacher Mindy Gallagher at EBL, he organized a tree planting event, during which students learned about the benefits of trees and beautified the grounds. Current CHCA parent and ISA Board Certified Master Arborist® Kevin Lester of Gregory Forrest Lester, Inc. led the planting efforts, helping students plant four trees on the EBL campus and generously gifting 200 trees, one for each student to take home and nurture themselves.
Treadway hopes the experience both informed and inspired young learners.
“I recognize the immense mental and physical health benefits of spending time in nature—it is an amazing stress reliever to take a walk outside,” he says. “By raising and planting trees, I can help bring that calm and peace not only to myself, but also to others, especially those who don’t know how powerful the outdoors can be if you take time to appreciate it. I hope other students in CHCA will recognize this and carry on the mission.”
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