St. Marys Area Middle School’s Helping Hands for Habitat club members were excited when the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation decided to officially recognize middle schools as a chapter of High Schools for Habitat. They were equally thrilled to hear that the St. Marys Area Middle School was the first in the state of Pennsylvania to come on board and make a commitment to wildlife conservation.
The Helping Hands for Habitat club began in April 2001, under the watchful eye of Mr. Murray Neeper, Principal then Superintendent of Schools now. The club consists of thirty-six 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. Its purpose is to instill an awareness of wildlife, wildlife habitat, and wildlife conservation into the students. This club, under the guidance of Mrs. Lana Cogan, offers opportunities that students have not been offered before. It opens up a wide range of learning experiences with guest speakers, educational outings, learning about R.M.E.F. and the connection to R.M.E.F.’s St. Marys Elk Country Chapter for the purpose of raising money for wildlife conservation. The seeds are being planted with the hope that each student will grow into a future wildlife conservationist. The Helping Hands for Habitat club will be a part of the St. Marys Area Middle School for many years to come.
A lot of progress has been made in the short period of time that the club has been in existence. The local schools, community, parents, grandparents, and businesses know the St. Marys Area Middle School’s Helping Hands for Habitat club. It takes the support and cooperation from all to help the school achieve its goals. The St. Marys Area Middle School became a life member in March 2002. It became a Habitat Partner in March 2003, and an Imperial Partner in March 2004. Currently the goal is to reach the status of a Monarch Partner. The Helping Hands for Habitat club is the driving force and continues to be a sponsor at the local R.M.E.F.’s Elk Country Chapter’s yearly banquet. Goals will continue to be set and reached.
The St. Marys Area Middle School’s Helping Hands for Habitat club is very proud to be officially recognized by the R.M.E.F. It will continue to set goals, reach them, plant wildlife conservation seeds into the students and be proud that it is doing its part to help PASS IT ON….