February 5, 2024
David A. Harrison Elementary School received a special donation from local business Parker Oil and Propane this week, who presented the school with a $500 grant, benefiting the campus' newly developed educational nature trail.
On Monday, February 5, 2024, Parker Oil and Propane representative Christy Hanzlik delivered the company's contribution to elementary gifted resource educator Mary Sebera and school principal Christopher Scruggs, who shared they were moved by the random act of kindness from the Prince George County business community.
"It was certainly a surprise to receive the call without having to ask or complete any paperwork," Principal Scruggs said. "It is reassuring to know that the community is talking about how to support the school. We are always interested in ways to give back to our community, so it feels good to know our community continues to invest in our schools."
Parker Oil and Propane representative Christy Hanzlik (middle) presents a $500 donation to elementary gifted resource teacher Mary Sebera (left) and Harrison Elementary Chris Scruggs (right) on Monday, February 5, 2024. The donation will be used to further enhance the school’s newly created educational nature trail. (PGCPS Photo)
Recounting when he found out Harrison Elementary had been selected to receive the grant funding from Parker Oil and Propane, Sebera's visit to his office the day after being contacted by the company seemed like a sign from above to Scruggs as to where the funds should be spent - the school's nature trail.
"Mrs. Sebera was so excited about the students' interest in the nature trail and wanted to continue the work started last year," Principal Scruggs shared. "She and the students had great ideas but knew they would need some additional funding. After talking to her, I just knew it was an opportunity to target the grant donation from Parker Oil Company to support their work."
The nature trail at Harrison Elementary School was created in the spring of 2023, located on the northern end of the campus. During this time, a trail was outlined, and division operations staff cleared the path that would evolve into an educational trail that provides grade-level-specific experiences tied to Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) objectives. Recently, a nature camera was installed along the trail, allowing students to see local wildlife in their community and enriching their lessons on the environment and ecology. The funding from Parker Oil and Propane will help support the trail's continued evolution, benefiting Harrison's students for years to come.
"We hope to one day have a camera on the trail connected for live streaming so the classes can see the trail, maybe even wildlife, from their classrooms throughout the day," Scruggs shared. "We also want to create weatherproof signage and other educational content on the trail. We are truly grateful to Parker Oil Company for selecting Harrison and supporting our community."