Holley Middle School Student Council Members (l -r) Kevin Dreher, Scott Brooks and Jayme Brooks plant a red maple tree that was grown on the grounds of Mount Vernon. The tree, which was planted on the school grounds, was a thank you for the students' donation to the United States Reforestation Project last year. Every year, the Student Council raises money for a worthy cause.

Every year, the Holley Middle School Student Council participates in a community outreach project. This year, in light of the events of September 11, the students decided to focus their efforts on helping the New York City victims and their families. They voted in favor of donating all the proceeds from their Homecoming Dance to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. During Spirit Week, the Student Council also sold red, white and blue stars (each grade level had a designated color) with each class competing to sell the most. The eighth-grade class was honored at the pep assembly at the end of the week for having purchased the most stars. In all, students raised $1,251 for the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. In addition, HSBC Bank in Holley agreed to send $600 to the Red Cross in recognition of the students' efforts.

As a thank you for last year's donation to the United States Reforestation Project, the Student Council recently received a red maple tree that was grown on the grounds of Mount Vernon. This tree was planted outside the Middle School cafeteria near the spruce tree that was donated by the Student Council several years ago. Students also used $240 of this year's fundraising money to purchase six acres of rain forest. "The donation and planting of these trees is reflective of the students' commitment to the environment," said Doreen Harvey, Student Council advisor.