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16 - The Oakville Beaver, Friday June 1, 2007 www.oakvillebeaver.com T. A. Blakelock student proud of Eco-school certification By Spencer Hu GRADE 12, T.A. BLAKELOCK Imagine lying on a plain of grass, looking up in the sky with butterflies fluttering around you. This pleasant dream is becoming a reality in T. A. Blakelock High School. From the anti-idling signs to the blue boxes in the hallways, my school has demonstrated significant environmental concerns and has received the Eco-school certification at the gold level recently, making it the second school in Ontario to receive such a prestigious honour. The Eco-school certification is given to schools that meet the specifications in several categories. For example, points were awarded for turning off lights after use, and having an efficient recycling system. We also hosted an Eco-festival with respects to that. But the progress of our butterfly garden is what really astonished the evaluators. The planning of the butterfly garden started three years ago. My teacher, Terry Warcholak was inspired by the Bronte Butterfly Project and decided to make a butterfly garden in our own school. With a mission at hand, the Blakelock Butterfly Garden Project thus commenced. The garden is to serve several purposes. One of the major goals is to preserve the several species of butterflies that are at risk, including the Monarch butterfly. The garden will also provide a location that classes can utilize. For instance, biology classes can analyze flower Automacs Collision & Sales Inc. 1091 Speers Road, Oakville 905-844-9200 Mon-Thurs: 7:30am to 5:30pm, Fri: 7:30am to 5pm, Sat: 9:00am to Noon Mercedes-Benz Oakville Autohaus structures and English classes can have a beautiful, quiet place to read literature. Another intention is to get students involved while enjoying their success. For example, woodshop students built the gazebo that is presently in our garden. The garden provides the students with a chance to apply knowledge into society. The butterfly garden was in the planning stage when I joined the flora and fauna club. The club is to make the necessary preparations to create the garden. From my Grade 9 year we had various fundraisers to tackle our goal of raising $10,000 for the garden. Notable fundraisers include selling aero photos of our whole school population, and carnation sales during Valentines and Mother's Day. Small-scale fundraisers such as bake sales and raffle sales were also done in various times throughout the year. Students in the flora and fauna club participated in these events while learning about responsibility in their work. Since the opening of the garden last May, the garden has had various projects with the help of some sponsors such as TD Friends of the Environment Foundation. The gazebo is the first structure completed with the help of woodshop students. Last fall, a pond was dug over the period of three weeks with student volunteers during their lunchtime. Our recent accomplishment included putting some plants in the garden as well as working on the completion of the small waterfalls that will go into the pond. A person does not have to carry the world by himself, but if everyone contributes just a little, we can change the world for the better. How will you make a difference? Starting Today !!!!!!! Think Green!!!!!!! Doing our Part for the Environment Automacs Collision and Mercedes Benz Oakville Autohaus Collision Automacs Collision and Mercedes Benz Oakville Autohaus Collision are pleased to announce ARE YOU READY TO TAKE THE LEAP? IT'S TIME TO GET STARTED. YOU'VE GOT THE QUESTIONS. WE'VE GOT THE ANSWERS! RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL AWNINGS, CANOPIES, PORTABLE SHADE STRUCTURES SAVE $250 UP TO ON IN-STOCK AWNINGS Manufactured with your choice of fade proof Sunbrella fabric, and powered by a reliable Somfy remote controlled motor. Call or visit our showroom at: 4090 Ridgeway Dr. #10, Mississauga 905-569-8566 www.sunguardawnings.com Mon.-Fri. 9:30am to 5pm, Sat 10:00am to 3pm Our Products & Services: · Collision Repair Specialists · Domestic and Imported Automobiles & Trucks · State of the Art Facility · I-CAR Trained Technicians · Quality Workmanship · Professional and Courteous Staff · Insurance Claims Made Easy · Rental Cars Available · Free Estimates PROVIDING EXPERT COLLISION REPAIR IN THE OAKVILLE AREA FOR OVER 30 YEARS POOL HEATERS REPAIR AND SERVICE s GAS LINES FACTORY TRAINED TECHNICIANS Problem Solving since 1982 BBQ'S POOL HEATERS STOVE AND DRYERS Plu Experience is the difference! 905-845-0701 129 GRANT AVENUE, HAMILTON · E-MAIL: scott@gasfix.ca