As you may know, Don Hawkins passed away this spring. Mr. Hawkins was a long time educator in Mineral Point. He led the development of multiple oak savannahs on district grounds. These savannahs have become teaching tools for our students. Mr. Hawkins continued to teach students after his retirement, coming into classrooms and leading students around the oak savannah with the goal of building more awareness for our environment and our local community.
Mineral Point Schools declared April 24 to be Don Hawkins Day. This day coincides with Earth Day. On April 24, the entire elementary school gathered around the oak savannah kiosk with his family and friends to recognize Mr. Hawkins’s efforts. Below are some images and a short video of a student presentation for this special event.
Marsha and a colleague from Aspen Ridge Landscaping preparing a hole for a burr oak tree to be planted, in memory of Mr. Hawkins.
Students learn about the significance of the burr oak tree, such as its long life and the connection to the savannah. A bench was also dedicated to Mr. Hawkins, presented by Mrs. Molle and third graders.
Students got a chance to ask questions about the tree planting and about Mr. Hawkins.