Hillcrest High School Arboretum Ribbon Cutting

On Earth Day, Hillcrest High School hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate Hillcrest’s achievement of being recognized as an arboretum. Hillcrest is the second high school in the state of Illinois to earn the prestigious status of becoming an arboretum.

Over the past five years, the Hillcrest High School Ecology Club, under the guidance of educator Theresa Kelsey, has worked tremendously hard to transform the Hillcrest High School campus into a thriving ecosystem, one tree at a time. In those five years, the ecology club has planted over 60 trees on campus.

In order to receive arboretum status, the ecology club had to plant 25 different species of native trees or shrubs on school grounds. Additionally, each tree must be tagged and identified with either an electric system or physical tag. There are 43 different species of trees at Hillcrest, and 101 tagged trees on campus.

Hillcrest High School Principal Ron Towner said the ecology club’s dedication, passion, and love for our planet have been instrumental in achieving this extraordinary feat.

“This momentous milestone is a testament to our unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability,” Principal Towner said. “This arboretum will not only serve as a sanctuary for biodiversity, but also as a living testament to our commitment to preserving and protecting the natural world for future generations.”

Principal Towner went on to extend heartfelt gratitude towards Andrew Harrington, James King, and Trinity Pierce, saying that their unwavering support and dedication have been invaluable in making this dream a reality. Their leadership and expertise have paved the way for Hillcrest to become a beacon of environmental conservatism.

“Trees provide bountiful resources not just for the environment, but for the community here at Hillcrest High School,” Kelsey said. “By having access to so many tree species, students and staff alike have the opportunity to educate themselves on the various types of trees in our ecosystem and the impact that they make on the environment we live in.”

In addition to the ribbon cutting, Hillcrest High School planted a new tree in honor of the late Marshawn Mitchell, a beloved student of our Hillcrest High School community. A memorial plaque was placed in front of the tree in his honor. The tree also marks the 25th species on campus.

“May this tree serve as a symbol of hope, renewal, and the enduring legacy of Marshawn, and those who have dedicated themselves to the noble cause of environmental conservation,” Principal Towner said.

Representatives from the Morton Arboretum and ArbNet were present, and we thank them for their time.

About Bremen High School District 228
Bremen High School District 228 is located in the southwest suburbs of Chicago and serves the communities of Midlothian, Posen, Tinley Park, Markham, Hazel Crest, Country Club Hills and Oak Forest. District 228 serves over 5,000 students and employs 800 full and part-time staff members. Bremen High School, in Midlothian, opened its doors to students in September of 1953. Since then, District 228 opened three additional schools. Tinley Park High School opened in 1961; Hillcrest High School, in Country Club Hills, opened in 1967; and Oak Forest High School opened in 1970. For more information, please visit https://www.bhsd228.com/