On the heels of a landscaping makeover organized by students, staff and parents, Old Quarry gained a new maple tree Tuesday.

The tree was the first planted in recognition of the School District 113A Educational Foundation “Friends of 113A” campaign. Fifty families donated $113 each at a recent fundraiser to kick off the campaign. The tree was sponsored by Better Lawns and Gardens. Owner Andrew Pipkalejs graduated from Lemont-Bromberek Combined School District 113A and District 210.

The Pizzoferrato family was also in attendance. The owners of Fairway Custom Landscaping and parents to two Old Quarry students, the Pizzoferratos’ donated two trees to be planted at River Valley and Oakwood later this month.

Lisa Dian explained the Foundation’s mission to provide financial resources to support education, innovation, and enrichment in pursuit of academic excellence in the district. Dian told the group, “All of you here are making this happen. The planting of this tree represents the students. Now watch the tree and the students grow.”

The ceremony was attended by students, administrators and Board of Education members, as well as representatives of the Foundation and its benefactors.

In its first year the Foundation awarded over $25,000 in grants to the schools. Planning for the second annual Pre-Bowl Bash is underway, and the event will be held February 4, 2012. For more information or to make a donation, visit the Foundation website at www.SD113AFoundation.org.