Local Softball Team Helps in Earth Day Cleanup

POUGHKEEPSIE – Poughkeepsie High School’s varsity softball team on Saturday took part in effort to clean up the area of Mansion Square Park tied to the celebration of Earth Day.

Earth Day is designed to engage people worldwide in activities that bring awareness and demonstrate support for environmental protection.

Established on April 22, 1970 and celebrated each year on that day, Earth Day has evolved to engage over 1 billion people in over 193 countries in what is widely publicized as mankind’s responsibility to protect the world we live in by changing our mindset and behaviors.

The official theme for 2024 was Planet vs. Plastics, which intended to unite students, parents, businesses, government, community and others in “an unwavering commitment to call for the end of plastics for the sake of human and planetary health, demanding a 60-percent reduction in the production of plastics by 2040 and an ultimate goal of building a plastic-free future for generations to come,” according to EarthDay.org

In Poughkeepsie, students across all schools engaged in conversation, in-class projects and activities leading up to the official Earth Day celebration. On Saturday, April 20, under the direction of Megan Bender, Poughkeepsie City School District elementary teacher and varsity softball coach, the softball team participated in the Community Cleanup Day in Poughkeepsie.

Organized by Community Matters 2, the event united “volunteers from diverse backgrounds in a shared mission: to restore the beauty of our neighborhoods, parks and streets. With gloves and trash bags in hand, we tackle litter, debris and pollutants, fostering camaraderie and making lasting connections. Children learn about sustainability, while local leaders inspire us to embrace conservation. Together, we transform neglected spaces into vibrant landscapes, reaffirming our commitment to environmental stewardship.”

The Poughkeepsie varsity softball team came together to show their support and interest in protecting the environment by collecting and picking up trash in the area of Mansion Square Park.