SMS Celebrates Earth Day

Contact: Jenni Brockman
Phone: 804-443-3357
Fax: 804-443-6781

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 Tappahannock (May 4, 2005) - St. Margaret’s School celebrated the thirty-fifth anniversary of Earth Day with a chapel service organized by the school’s chaplain, The Rev. Dr. Candine Johnson, and the student organization SPEECH (Student Pacifists Encouraging Education to Counteract Hate).

SPEECH members approached Chaplain Johnson with the hope of crafting a service that included both liturgy and an environmental message. Together, they collaborated to create an uplifting and educational service that increased awareness and engaged students.

Johnson chose prayers focusing on creation and the natural order, while SPEECH members, using branches as costumes, performed a skit emphasizing the importance of the environmental slogan: “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.” SPEECH leader Sydney Harris of Tappahannock read excerpts from Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax, then students exited after an enthusiastic rendition of "This Land is Your Land."

  









These St. Margaret’s School students were among those who
planned and presented a special Earth Day chapel service.

Johnson, who hopes to introduce more student-led services in the next school year, was “amazed by how the service came together and by the spirit that drives the girls. Their confidence, and the content, form and structure of the service were all good models for other groups and classes.”

SPEECH members believe they achieved their goal of increasing environmental awareness, said Harris. In addition to the chapel, members provided Earth Day information during lunch and via e-mail. As a result, Johnson even added a recycling box in her own office to assist in conservation efforts.