WASHOUGAL – Reading under a canopy of trees is now a possibility for students at Hathaway Elementary School thanks to support from the Camas-Washougal Rotary.
The club donated $2,875 to create a “Nature in the Classroom” scene in the school library. Hathway third-grader Kinzlee Kalian said, “The display is really nice, it’s very relaxing when we look up, and it makes me really calm.” Barb Crozier, a long-time Rotarian, volunteer and Washougal resident, spearheaded the initiative. Her inquiry to Hathaway Elementary School Principal Wendy Morrill was met with an enthusiastic “yes,” and the project quickly moved forward.
A survey conducted by Morrill asked which tree scene would be most desired. Students overwhelmingly selected the majestic MacDonald Oak tree. The nature scene was installed by the Washougal School District’s maintenance team. The location of the tree mural in the library ensures that all students and staff who visit the space each week will benefit from the calming effects of nature.
“This donation highlights the positive impact that strong community partnerships can have on our students’ learning experiences,” said Aaron Hansen, superintendent of the Washougal School District. “We are incredibly grateful to the Camas-Washougal Rotary for their continued dedication to supporting our schools and the district.”
