Hilldale Principal Named 2013 Arbor Day Honoree

Hilldale Elementary School Principal Marianne Dispenziere has been named the 10th Annual Arbor Day and Tree City USA 2013 honoree by the Montville Township Environmental Commission.

Dispenizere, a local educator of more than 30 years, will be retiring this year. She began her teaching career at William Mason Elementary School where she later became principal before moving over to Hilldale to serve as principal, according to the Montville Township Environmental Commision.

"Principal Dispenziere was named as honoree because of her dedication to the environment which she shares with her teachers, students and parents," the commission said in a press release. "Ms. Dispenziere’s passion for the environment can be found in and surrounding Hilldale Elementary School." 

The commission also said Dispenziere has been instrumental in restoring the Arbor Day celebration in Montville Township and has encouraged her students to enter the school's annual poster contest in March, which is National Youth Art Month. Last year, more than 300 poster designs were submitted by fourth-graders.

In celebrating Dispenziere, a peace garden was built at the rear of Hilldale Elementary by students, teachers parents and volunteers. The intention of the peace garden is for the school community to have a place to find "harmony in nature," as small animals and birds spend time there. 

"It is a peaceful and tranquil garden that teaches students to love the earth and be mindful and considerate to the earth and to each other," the commission said.

Additionally, a "Harmony Hike" was built around the perimeter of the school. Eagle Scouts constructed the "Harmony Hike" as part of their project.

The school was praised by the commission for having an active Garden Club, which has members placing bird-feeders outside classrooms daily so students can see the wildlife up close. The Garden Club is also responsible for maintaining the peace garden.