Through a service-learning project initiated by University of Utah student teachers, students researched and voted on what kind, and where, to plant two new trees on the school grounds.

Andy Hecht, student teacher, said the project combined the school's social studies curriculum with helping the environment.

"The emphasis on the fifth-graders was to show the value of voting," said Hecht. "And for the students to realize how important it is to cast a good vote."

Students had a choice of six different types of trees to plant, and unanimously decided on the Japanese zelkova, which will grow up to 80 feet tall and provide shade with a spread up to 75 feet wide.

Principal Gwen Hill said students have been learning about the importance of trees in the community, and the environment.

"They've done some buddy reading about trees," said Hill. "This is a great opportunity for them to integrate all areas of the curriculum."

Students from all grades helped plant the trees, which were donated by TreeUtah, a local nonprofit organization. They learned about proper planting procedures from TreeUtah volunteer Kendy Radasky, as well as the benefits of planting trees in the community.

"Trees can provide shade in the summertime, and can be used as wind barriers," said Radasky. "There have been studies done that show patients in a hospital who have a tree outside their window recover better. There's really a lot more benefit to planting trees than many people realize."

Radasky emphasized the importance of future planning when planting a tree, such as overhead power lines, root growth and surrounding space.

With Radasky's help, students made sure the holes were the right depth and width to accommodate the tree and roots, ensured the tree was planted straight and then took turns shoveling dirt.

Fifth-grader Parker Jenkins, 10, said the tree planting was a nice break from the classroom, and he was happy to help the environment.

"I think it will help the environment grow," said Parker.

Hecht said the students were eager to participate in the voting process, and realized the importance of making an informed decision.

"They know that these trees are going to be here long after they've left the school," said Hecht. "They . . . are looking forward to coming back years from now to see the trees they planted."

tdeans@sltrib.com

This week's Most Memorable Teacher quote comes from Utah PTA's vice president for regions, Dawn Davies, who has fond memories of Gateway High School choir teacher V. Lee Harrity in Monroeville, Pa.

"He encouraged each of his students to be the best person they could be," said Davies. "It wasn't really about singing; it was about being the best we could in whatever areas we wanted to be. He made learning a life experience, and made the songs mean something - great things - to us."