Courtyard dedication thrills school
BY TOYNETT HALL Staff Writer

TOYNETT HALL A statue of Rocky, Greenville School's mascot, was unveiled before parents, pupils and staff members during a rededication of the school's north courtyard. See story, page 19.

HOWELL - The dream of the Greenville School PTO to have an area outside the building where classes can take place came to fruition on Oct. 5.

With support from the community and local businesses, the school's north courtyard was rededicated to students, parents and faculty members.

The once vacant grassy area has been landscaped and decorated with yellow mums, red mums, green tables and benches that say Greenville. In the center of it all is a statue of children riding an alligator named Rocky, the school's celebrated mascot.

Greenville School is one of Howell's newest schools. It was built almost five years ago when the K-8 Howell School District underwent an expansion that saw the construction of several schools.

Principal Wilma Cubero said the purpose of the north courtyard is to provide two outdoor classrooms.

PTO President Marjorie O'Neil said, "our intent was to make a safe educational environment for the children, but also to have some fun and social input in their day."

O'Neil said the courtyard project was funded by PTO fundraisers and directed by Gail Lapointe, the chairwoman of the Beautification Committee.

O'Neil said she sees the space being used to its fullest potential.

"I envision this courtyard being used for events such as our annual egg hunt in the spring. This is a great space for it and now we have a safe place for the children to come and have an egg hunt," O'Neil said. "It is enclosed so there is 100 percent security here."

Superintendent of Schools Enid Golden, who spoke at the ceremony, seemed more than ecstatic about the new addition to the building. As Golden said, "There is always something exciting going on at Greenville School."

Fourth-graders Alena and Karina O'Neil shared the superintendent's excitement as they posed for a picture with the newly unveiled statue of Rocky in the center of the courtyard. Alena and Karina said "the statue is cool" and said they like the idea of having class outside on a nice day.

Parent Kim Murin has two children who attend Greenville School and said, "I love the courtyard, and I think it turned out great."

Vice Principal Margaret Lauricella said, "Greenville School has been enriched by this outdoor learning space and the children of our school will be forever indebted to all of the people who made it happen."