Knightly News

The Coach Dupe Trail recently got another layer of shade thanks to a new Sweet Bay Magnolia named Silas. Students in this semester’s Service Learning and Community Impact course teamed up with representatives from Baton Rouge Green to plant the little tree, which students lovingly named. The outdoor adventure culminated in a study of the environment that tackled a range of thought-provoking topics. “I love service learning because every week it’s the best thing that happened that week,” says course teacher Dr. Rebecca Kuhn.

Before students ever meet for the first class, Dr. Kuhn surveys them to determine what they want to study. This semester’s ninth through twelfth graders chose to focus on animals, the environment and criminal justice. Dr. Kuhn and co-teacher Chaplain Charlie then organized various guest speakers, field trips and experiences, such as the tree planting, to provide students with meaningful learning experiences.

Let’s Plant a Tree!

As students considered the environment, a discussion on trees naturally unfolded. Guest speaker Sage Foley with Baton Rouge Green offered in-depth information on trees. Students learned how trees benefit cities by keeping cities cooler, reducing pollution and flooding, and potentially lowering crime rates. Foley shared that her organization wishes to plant a tree on every school campus in the city. That seed of an idea was planted in students’ minds, and they asked to plant a tree.

Planting the tree was much more than simply placing it in the ground. Before dirt was turned, students took a campus tour with Director of Grounds Brett Bailey. Bailey pointed out the types of trees on campus and why they were chosen. He explained what students should expect as seasons change, such as which trees flower and when. “He helped us notice things about our campus we wouldn’t normally see,” says Dr. Kuhn. Afterward, Bailey worked with Baton Rouge Green representatives to select the site for young Silas. When planting day arrived, students gathered around the hole as the tree experts discussed how to prepare the tree’s roots for planting. Dr. Kuhn hopes the experience prompts students to notice places around town where Baton Rouge Green has planted trees. She hopes they’ve learned to be careful and appreciative of trees and that they can make more informed decisions about tree care and choices once they are homeowners.

Acorns to Oaks

With a nod to the future, Bailey helped wrap up the tree discussion with a special initiative he calls “Acorns to Oaks.” He again took students on a campus walk and asked them to collect acorns. Students brought the acorns back to class, where they determined whether they were viable. Bailey then planted the little seeds in containers in the school greenhouse. With a bit of luck and a lot of love, the acorns will sprout, and students will receive a tree sapling upon graduation to gift to their families as a memento of their time at Episcopal.

Meaningful learning experiences such as these are a hallmark of the Service Learning and Community Impact class. This semester, students have also contemplated issues involving animals, visited animal shelters, considered life for incarcerated people and visited prisons. Local experts, including Episcopal’s Deputy Daniels and Father Patrick, have offered insights. Dr. Kuhn hopes students find inspiration by learning about these topics and how they can make a difference in their world. “It’s always an adventure,” she says with enthusiasm. “Kids leave feeling better about the city. Good work and cooperation are exciting.”   

This semester’s students will wrap up the class with a chapel presentation. The class will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on them and set them up well for lives of meaning and purpose.

The Episcopal School of Baton Rouge 2025-2026 application is now available! ​For more information on the application process, to schedule a tour, or learn more about the private school, contact us at [email protected] or 225-755-2685.