Arbor Day may be a one-day annual celebration on the last Friday in April, but yesterday, students and staff from the Cicero District 99 did their part to ensure the community recognizes the daily importance of trees and their contribution toward creating a healthier environment for all. 

District 99 partnered with The Morton Arboretum for a special tree-planting event at Unity Junior High School, bringing together students, staff and community partners to invest in a greener, healthier future for all. 

The event was held thanks to an ongoing collaboration between District 99 and The Morton Arboretum’s Chicago Region Trees Initiative (CRTI), an urban and community forestry program dedicated to improving the tree canopy in communities throughout Chicagoland with a focus on environmental equity and under-resourced communities. 

As part of the District’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and student engagement, 10 trees were planted on Unity’s campus, supporting the Town of Cicero’s broader goal of expanding the town’s tree canopy. 

“This is more than just planting trees — it’s about empowering our students to take an active role in shaping our community,” said Tom Tomschin, board president of District 99. “When students see the impact of their actions, it builds a sense of responsibility and hope for the future.”

In tandem with the tree planting event, the Arboretum’s CRTI program is fostering an ongoing partnership with District 99 and Unity Junior High School, working together to transform the school’s campus into a Level One Arboretum — an accreditation which covers the core functions of an arboretum and represents a major accomplishment in an organization’s commitment to the care of its trees and landscaping. 

“As a District, we are committed to expanding the tree canopy across our school sites, and this event at Unity will create a hands-on learning opportunity that connects students to science, sustainability and community responsibility,” said Dr. Anthony Grazzini, executive director of grants and accountability for District 99. “Together, we are helping create greener spaces that benefit students, families and the entire Cicero community for generations to come.”