Although Friday was not Earth Day, the Student Government Association at the Ashe Campus of Wilkes Community College carried over the momentum from the previous day’s celebration to beautify their campus and to help with the environment.

Earth Day was officially recognized Thursday, April 22, but the availability of the governing body did not come together until Friday morning. The 25 scholars and volunteers spent the day transferring existing plants and replacing other forms of vegetation that was irreparably damaged by this winter’s snow and ice storms. SGA President Melynda Anders said that the group’s main objective was to “beautify the campus” and to “increase the appearance of our school.

“We want the outside of the school to look as good as the students inside of the school,” Anders said.

SGA Vice President-elect Rick Wurth said that he enjoys contributing to the betterment of his school whenever possible.

“It’s great. I enjoy it,” Wurth said. “We’re just glad to help in anyway that we can.”

Funding for the beautification project came in part from the Ashe Campus SGA and Wilkes Community College. Although this year marked the first school based Earth Day celebration, Anders said that there would be more to come. The SGA has tackled various community interactive activities this year including a fundraising project to donate funds to benefit disaster relief in wake of the January Haitian quakes.

According to EarthDay.net, more than 1 billion people participate in Earth Day activities, making it the largest secular event in the world. The site also states that Earth Day Network was founded on the premise that all people, regardless of race, gender, income, or geography, have a moral right to a healthy, sustainable environment.

The list of students and volunteers who assisted in the school’s Earth Day program are as follows: Kathy Joines, Melanie Cox, Shelia Miller, Judy Miller, Terry Anders, Larry Coldiron, Debbie Richardson, Shelby Roark, Bo Chasity Perry, Tony Jordan, Barbara Campbell, Jimmy Blevins, Jenny Lampo, Rick Wurth, James Drake, Glenna McNeill. Faculty members include Gerald McGraw, Lorrie Tomlinson, Ernie Greeer, and WCC Dean Chris Robinson.