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It was a celebration of feelings that students have for the planet, and it was a time to learn how they can take action to make it better.

Thanks to Earth Day coordinator and second grade teacher Holly Russell, the daylong event featured seven speakers. Each grade was exposed to every presenter as they rotated from station to station. The halls were decked with poetry, artwork, and messages that expressed just how important this event is to the students. The entire building and inhabitants had been sculpted into a monumental tribute to the world, the damage it has endured, the actions needed for its remedy, and the hopes these students have for it. It is obvious just how seriously the students take this task.

They know many of the things to be done, and they know they can make a change. They voice hope, and even though they may be small, their message is loud and clear. They know their place in the larger world, and realize they have to work with others to make things happen.

Presenters and topics included:

* Harry Wright who spoke on the importance of trees and animals (He planted trees and included poetry in his message).

* Kathy Halcin focused on conflict resolution.

* Boundaries and property were topics covered by Scott Papineau of Ferguson Title Company.

* Librarian Sue Anne Wallace guided students through a Google Earth program that helped them establish a sense of their place in the world.

* Students were able to create gardens and discuss habitats with Cheri Leach of Raven Hill.

* The Little Traverse Conservancy offered a presentation on wolves.

* Students followed the journey of a fish with Michel Nerone who focused on watersheds and water quality.

The words of students, teachers and presenters paint a picture of the attitudes and importance felt during this the 15th year of Earth Day at Ellsworth.

Sixth grader Whitney Heard said, "This day is important to remind people to conserve on the earth. It needs that in many areas."

Classmate Elizabeth Sowers said, "Saving the earth is important. If we don't do it, it will die and so will we."

Zeb Collins, a third grader, was amazed by the energy he felt during a conflict resolution exercise. "It felt like an electric circuit." He went on to say "it is important to help the earth or we won't have enough good water."

Teacher Marge Spence said, "This day makes kids more aware of the earth. All the preparation we do prior to today gives them a sense of community and how they are interrelated with the world. We want them to know they must work together; that it takes everybody to solve some of these challenges."

Teacher Randy Nagel spoke in the same vein.

"It is too easy to take the world for granted. It is important for students to see how it has changed, what we have done, and what we can do to correct it."

Kathy Halcin gave a presenter's perspective: "We need to teach kids that it is o.k. to have feelings and that each person has the strength and power within themselves to make good decisions," she said.

Harry Wright, a retired Outdoor Education teacher, described the significance of the day.

"It's important because it helps kids understand that every day is Earth Day. If we can teach these students to take care of the earth on a daily basis, there is hope."

As she passed out thank you notes and Earth Day cookies (that she had made) to presenters, Russell summarized her hopes and revealed why she puts all the time and effort into this celebration every year.

"I hope that each young person goes home today with at least one tangible thing they know they can do every day that makes their planet better. The message to kids is that they need to work together all across the world," she said.

There was a look of determination coming from students, teachers and presenters today that could not be denied. This is a might army of earth stewards now, and it is no wonder they have hope to share with the rest of their world.