In today's world, local businesses have the power to make a lasting impact on their communities, and Monster Tree Service of North Pittsburgh is leading by example. Owned by Cindy Starr Stewart, this franchise recently partnered with Seneca Valley School District to enhance outdoor education opportunities for elementary students in a truly distinctive way.
Partnering With Schools for Outdoor Learning
When Cindy was approached by Casey Cahill, the elementary outdoor education facilitator for Seneca Valley School District, a unique collaboration was born. "Mr. Cahill reached out to me on Facebook and asked if there was any chance we could provide logs," Cindy shared. This request wasn't for traditional landscaping or tree removal, but for logs that could be transformed into stools for new outdoor classrooms.
"Our crew got excited about carefully choosing just the right ones and not letting them go through the chipper so we could deliver them to Mr. Cahill," Cindy explained. James, one of the crew leaders, was particularly passionate about the project and volunteered to select and deliver the perfect logs to the school.
The Power of Personal Connections
The collaboration was more than just a business transaction—it was a reconnection of shared educational values. As Cindy recounts, "I started my career as a middle school science teacher at Seneca Valley back in 1994. I got my Master of Science Education degree and went on to teach Physics for future elementary teachers at Slippery Rock University." Interestingly, Mr. Cahill had also studied elementary education at Slippery Rock University, strengthening the bond between the two.
"It was fun to see the many connections we had," said Cindy. The partnership not only provided resources for the school but also rekindled memories and fostered a sense of community between educators and local entrepreneurs.
Transforming Waste Into Opportunity
For Monster Tree Service, the logs were initially considered waste, but Cindy saw an opportunity to repurpose them for educational benefit. "These logs were just a waste product for us and yet they were a blessing to these students and their teachers," she noted. By contributing what they had, the business helped create two new outdoor classrooms, enriching the learning environment for local children.
Why Community Involvement Matters
As a franchise owner, Cindy believes in the importance of giving back. "I am passionate about people and about education. It's wonderful when we get the opportunity to work together, each bringing what we have to offer for the betterment of our community," she said. This philosophy underscores the broader impact that local businesses can have when they engage with schools and community organizations.
Looking Toward the Future
Cindy hopes to continue supporting the school. "We are hoping that I can visit in the near future as a guest speaker and teach the kids a little more about trees," she shared. With students already learning hands-on skills like collecting maple sap and making maple syrup under Mr. Cahill's guidance, the partnership is proving to be a full-circle experience for everyone involved.
Monster Tree Service of North Pittsburgh’s story is a testament to the meaningful ways franchises can give back to their communities. By turning what was once considered waste into valuable resources for local schools, Cindy and her team have shown that business success and community impact go hand in hand. Their unique approach to giving back not only supports education but also strengthens the bonds that make a community thrive.
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