Ayman Souabny surveyed Wright Middle School and the surrounding neighborhood, noticing predominantly concrete rather than greenery.
Like numerous of his classmates, Souabny desired a more verdant environment.
The city administration responded to this student initiative.
Last Friday, October 19th marked the occasion when the Chelsea Tree Board and municipal leadership, alongside Souabny and fellow student advocates who had requested additional trees near the Williams School building, participated in planting a ceremonial tree to mark Arbor Day.
City Manager Tom Ambrosino, Council President Damali Vidot and Supt. Mary Bourque join Wright Middle students Luis Cruz-Martinez, Ayman Souabny, Sherlyn Melgar and Kevin Mizhquiri in front of the school last Friday, Oct. 19, to celebrate Arbor Day by planting a tree in front of the school. The planting was a request made by the students, fulfilled by local government.
“In Chelsea we need trees,” Souabny shared. “Things keep changing in Chelsea and now we have none left. We need oxygen to breath and trees provide oxygen. So, I thought we should tell them to plant trees around our school…I never thought they would bring them, but they did.”
According to Julie Shannon, a member of the Tree Board, the gesture represents something meaningful that these students will recall throughout their lives, particularly on Arbor Day.
“Arbor Day is a chance for us as a community to pay special recognition to the importance of trees in our community,” Shannon noted. “I wanted to give a special thanks to the students where they are the reason we are celebrating this year’s Arbor Day at the Williams school. These students understand the numerous benefits and positive impact of more trees and took the initiative to speak up asking for more trees around the school. Well, let today be a testament that you’ve been heard and today is because of you. It’s a great lesson that you do have a voice in this community. Whether it’s getting more trees planted or other areas that need attention, speak up, you can make change happen. You should all be proud of yourselves.”
The trees will create lasting memories for the student body, according to City Manager Tom Ambrosino.
“This is a City committed to improving the green canopy in our City,” Ambrosino explained. “For the students, the best thing is these trees will last 50 years or more. When you grow up and are in Chelsea, every time you see these trees, you’ll be able to tell everyone they are there because of your efforts.”
Supt. Mary Bourque offered her perspective: “You do have a voice in this community. Whenever you see a place to speak up, you know you will be heard.”
Environmental concerns frequently emerge in conversations Council President Damali Vidot has with students.
“The majority of letters I get from young people, probably 95 percent, are about improving the environment,” Vidot remarked. “I thank you for speaking up and I thank the DPW for listening to our future leaders – these students.”
The accomplishment reflected positively on the student body, according to Principal Michelle Martiniello, who expressed her pride.
“A lot of the time we encourage them to get involved in the community, and this time, it showed great benefits,” Martiniello stated.
Assistant Principal Adam Weldai further commented: “It was great for them to hear local government did listen to them and will do things they ask for.”