Capitol Reef National Park Rangers, Loa Elementary Fifth Graders, and Wayne School Superintendent Burke Torgerson all have momentous occasions to celebrate! On the morning of Thursday, May 19, 2016, we will join together at the Fruita Historic Schoolhouse to celebrate the graduation of Fifth Grade students from Loa Elementary School, the retirement of Wayne School Superintendent Burke Torgerson, and the Centennial of the National Park Service.
Students and their families will meet at the Historic Fruita Schoolhouse east of the visitor center on Utah State Road 24, for an address by Burke Torgerson, congratulations by park staff, and comments and words of appreciation by participants. Paper graduation caps and birthday hats will contribute to the festivities, and refreshments will be served.
A Class Act (a National Park Service initiative started in 2012 to develop a stronger bond between students and their local parks) called on national parks to adopt a specific class and work with them throughout their academic career. Capitol Reef National Park rangers chose to work with this Loa Elementary class since they were second graders, providing classroom presentations during the spring and fall of each school year. Students visited the park each year on their annual May field trip. School administration and teachers have been very supportive of this partnership, which has contributed to the students' deeper understanding of park resources and goals, and a stronger sense of stewardship.
www.nps.gov
About the National Park Service: More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 409 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
