Ryan Gloyer Middle School Tree Planting Blitz

Dozens of students and teachers at Ryan Gloyer Middle School (RGMS) got their hands dirty this week as they set off to beautify Cranberry Township through their second annual Tree Planting Blitz and Leaf Collection field trip. This collaborative effort, involving Cranberry Township, FirstEnergy, Penn Power, and the school district, highlighted the strength of community partnerships in making a positive impact.

Over 150 trees were planted across Cranberry Township neighborhoods, including along the winding tributary of Brush Creek, where a multimillion-dollar streambank restoration project is helping to combat erosion and preserve vital animal habitats. The initiative extended beyond environmental stewardship, as students also visited nearly 50 senior citizens’ homes—raking leaves and assisting residents in areas such as Oak Springs Mobile Home Park.

This day of service not only transformed the community but also fostered a spirit of teamwork, mentorship, and gratitude among students, school administrators and special guests. As part of the ongoing "Community Grown" initiative, the project exemplifies how RGMS empowers its students to give back to the communities that support their education, creating a legacy of service and connection.