News & Views
NCCS Community Gathers for Kyle A. Markes Earth Day of Service
Over 100 members of the Country School & Horizons community gathered for the Kyle A. Markes (“KAM”) Earth Day of Service, held April 22. Hosted by the school’s Parents’ Association, the event is named in honor of a former 5th grade student whose commitment to service continues to inspire.
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The day’s earth-themed activities began with a memorial cherry tree planting and remarks made in celebration of the life of Lavone Roberson, beloved Horizons Academic Director who passed away in October of 2022. Together, Head of School Aaron Cooper and Executive Director of Horizons Nancy von Euler, spoke about Lavone’s lasting legacy and impact on her students and this community.
“This flowering tree was intentionally selected because of Lavone’s love for the color pink,” said von Euler. “It will serve as a way to remember her as its fluffy pink flowers bloom, its branches will provide shade, and its beauty inspires this community for decades to come. Community members painted colorful rocks after the ceremony that were placed under her tree.
Families, faculty and friends participated in a variety of service projects beautifying the 85-acre campus with cleanup work, new plantings and reimagined outdoor spaces including a beautiful native bird garden.
Birdhouses were built and painted, urns and planters were potted with plants of the season, and an outdoor classroom was raked clean of leaves.
Leading up to the event, classes collected plastic bottles and cans in a competition for the most items recycled. Proceeds were donated to Filling in the Blanks, a local non-profit organization.
Additionally, students collected their used sporting equipment and logo wear for “up cycling” and re-use.
“KAM Earth Day of Service was a wonderful display of the impact a community can have when everyone comes together in the spirit of giving back,” said Parent Volunteer Molly Ghoussias who together with Parents’ Association President, Jen Kline, facilitated the event.
New Canaan Country School
New Canaan Country School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin and are afforded all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, or disability in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid policies or any other school-administered programs.
