Charleroi students go outside for Earth Day celebration

This is the fourth straight year that Komatsu has partnered with the school district for an activity.

By TAYLOR BROWN
Senior Reporter

Students traded desks for dirt this week as Charleroi Area eighth-graders rolled up their sleeves to celebrate Earth Day with hands-on projects aimed at making a lasting environmental impact.

Charleroi Area students marked Earth Day 2026 by stepping outside the classroom and into interactive learning experiences designed to promote environmental awareness both on campus and in the community.

Now in its fourth year, the district’s partnership with Komatsu brought employees into the schools to work directly with students on projects focused on sustainability and conservation.

The theme of this year’s Earth Day, which was celebrated Wednesday, was “Planet vs. Plastics” and centered on a global push to reduce plastic production and pollution, encouraging communities to take practical steps to protect natural resources and cut down on waste.

At Charleroi Middle School, eighth-grade students benefited from a donation that included seed packets, potting soil, peat pots and mechanical pencils made from recycled plastic. The supplies were delivered Monday morning and were used in science lessons led by teacher Soni McClelland this week.

Students spent time potting plants and preparing materials that can be used at home or incorporated into future school projects, gaining a better understanding of how small efforts can contribute to a healthier environment.

“This is our fourth year partnering with the Charleroi School District and it is always a great experience,” said Kathleen Chaudhari, HR Generalist II. “Mrs. McClelland does an incredible job, and we’re glad we could contribute supplies to support handson learning for eighth-grade students.”

McClelland has helped guide the program as it has grown, working alongside community partners to give students meaningful, handson opportunities tied to classroom learning.

The Earth Day effort has evolved each year.

In 2023, students at the elementary center worked with Komatsu to build an insect habitat designed to support native species, along with planting an apple tree on campus.

The following year, the partnership expanded to the middle school, where a smart bird feeder equipped with a camera and bird-identification technology was installed, along with the planting of a second apple tree to continue building green space on school grounds.

This year’s activities built on that foundation while also branching out into the community.

On Tuesday, Komatsu employees planted six fruit trees at Cedar Creek Park, working with local partner Gordon Shaler to select a location in the park.

The effort marked the first time the Earth Day initiative extended beyond school property.

The addition of a community-based project reflects a broader goal of connecting classroom learning with real-world impact, giving students a clearer picture of how environmental stewardship extends beyond school property.

“Being involved with Cedar Creek Park for the first time has been a great experience,” Chaudhari said. “It feels good knowing the trees we planted will continue to grow and give fruit well into the future.”