First 'Friends of 113A' Tree Planted at Old Quarry

Just a few weeks after from students and parent volunteers, gained a new maple tree Tuesday, courtesy of the District 113A Educational Foundation.

The foundation planted the tree in front of Old Quarry on Tuesday morning in recognition of its new "Friends of 113A campaign," which encourages supporters to donate in increments of $113 to help the district grow. For every 50 donations, Better Lawns and Gardens will plant a tree at one of the District 113A schools.

The ceremony was attended by students, administrators and Board of Education members, as well as representatives of the Foundation and its benefactors.

Lisa Dian explained the Foundation’s mission to provide financial resources to support education, innovation, and enrichment in pursuit of academic excellence in the district. Dian told the group, “All of you here are making this happen. The planting of this tree represents the students. Now watch the tree and the students grow.”

The first tree was earned at the foundation's last month, and was donated by Better Lawns and Gardens owner Andrew Pipkalejs, who graduated from and .

The Pizzoferrato family, owners of Fairway Custom Landscapes, surprised the foundation with two trees to be planted at Oakwood and River Valley schools later this month.

The purpose of the District 113A Educational Foundation is to provide financial resources beyond the operating budget, which students and teachers may use toward educational enrichment.

The community can join the "Friends of 113A" campaign throughout the year by visiting the foundation's website at SD113AFoundation.org.