Penn College Students Spend National 'Day of Service' at YWCA

Five Pennsylvania College of Technology students and a faculty mentor recently volunteered to landscape the surroundings of the Williamsport YWCA, part of a national day of service organized by the trade organization that accredits the college's horticulture majors.

Trimming, edging and mulching at the 815 W. Fourth St. facility, not far from Penn College's main campus in Williamsport, the students joined more than 1,000 participants in nearly 300 community projects nationwide as part of the PLANET Day of Service. PLANET is the environmentally evocative acronym for the Professional Landcare Network, which accredits the college's associate-degree program in ornamental horticulture.

Taking part locally were Benjamin P. Hodgson, Pine Grove Mills; Michael J. Knepp, Swiftwater; Tyler L. Tessier, Brookeville, Md.; Jeremy D. Vonada, Belleville; and Joel A. Wierman, Camp Hill. All are enrolled in the ornamental horticulture: landscape technology major in the college's School of Natural Resources Management.

"The Day of Service is a great way to show the community what our industry is all about," said Carl J. Bower Jr., a member of Penn College's horticulture faculty who joined the group as a volunteer. "We are a service industry the original "˜green' industry and we make a living by beautifying our environment. I appreciate the efforts of the students; the job turned out great, and it gave the YWCA a much-needed facelift. It also helps the students understand the importance of community service and giving back, which is always a good thing."

More information about the Day of Service, in which PLANET provided students across the country with commemorative T-shirts to spread the spirit of group volunteerism, can be found online .

For more about the School of Natural Resources Management, visit on the Web or call 570-320-8038. For general information about Penn College, visit online , e-mail or call toll-free 800-367-9222.