STEPS Youth Dedicate 2nd Annual Tree to Southington Community

Trevor Rogers and STEPSYouth Group
Dedicate Autumn Flowering Cherry Tree
at Mary Our Queen Church, June 17, 2013 

Stepping up to community service once again was The STEPS Youth Committee as they dedicated a tree planted on the Mary Our Queen Church grounds on Monday, June 17, 2013. 

The tree, an Autumn Flowering Cherry Tree, (Prunus Autumnalis), was donated by Winterberry Gardens of Southington, thanks to the efforts of STEPS Parent Committee and Advisory Board member, Heather Bartley. 

Attending dedication: State rEP David Zoni,
Youth Prevention Coordinator, Kelly Leppard
Trevor Rogers, Town Council Chair, John
Dobbins, Austin Sullivan and Councl member
Chris Palmieri

Winterberry  Gardens spokesperson, Ashley Vescera said, “We are pleased to assist the STEPS Youth Committee with this year’s tree. The gift is our way of saying thanks for their community service and allows us to be a part of such a wonderful project.”

The tree planting idea has its roots in the first planting of a STEPS tree at Recreation Park in June 2012 by the STEPS Youth Committee. Their purpose to contribute something lasting to the community from the STEPS Youth.  It now appears to have  become a tradition of planting a tree in the community  annually. 

This year's project was spearheaded by STEPS Youth Council and Advisory Board member, Trevor M. Rogers, a Southington High School student. Trevor turned to his church where a group of garden lovers are in the process of developing a Meditation Garden. One of  the garden group, Dr. Carol Grant, said: “We plan is to design the garden with flowers, various plantings, benches and a few chairs along with pavers and bricks for people to come and enjoy as a quiet place of beauty, reflection and introspection on the joys of life and the love of God.” Grant said the STEPS tree will have a special place.

STEPS Youth, Advisory Board Members
and Dignitaries Celebrating the Tree Planting,

Fr. A. Waine Kargul, pastor of MOQ, was impressed with the symbolism of the tree to the mission of the STEPS movement: Growing Great Kids. Kargul drew the connections between the youth and trees. Kargul said, "It's great to see young people who realize that, like them, the tree has roots;  the tree grows and matures, getting stronger, spreading its branches and ultimately seeding other trees.” Kargul also noted the symbolic affirmation of the STEPS mission as it calls on the community to coalesce in nurturing our youth, teaching them to build their future, build assets that promote their education, moral values, character and good citizenship, while directing them away from the dangers of risky behavior in a culture that presents many challenges.