Driven Foundation Students Plant Symbolic Tree

Staying Planted and Developing Deep, Strong Roots

Roy Hall Jr. 
May 9, 2025, 9:00 AM ET

As we wrap up an incredible year at our Johnson Park Middle School After-School Program, we gathered with our students to plant a tree in front of the school. This was more than just a gardening activity, it was a powerful symbol of the journey we’ve been on with these incredible young people all year long.

Each student took part, adding a couple of cups of dirt to help plant the tree. Under the guidance of our Driven Foundation coaches, we turned this simple act into a meaningful lesson about growth, resilience, and the importance of laying strong foundations.

Why a tree? Because it stands as a living reminder of what we aim to instill in our students: the importance of staying planted and developing deep, strong roots. Just like the tree, our students are learning to cultivate good roots. Roots of character, integrity, responsibility, discipline, and academic excellence. These are the qualities that will help them grow into strong, capable adults.

“…we turned this simple act into a meaningful lesson about growth, resilience, and the importance of laying strong foundations.”

Growth takes time, patience, and nurturing, and this tree will serve as a daily reminder that the journey to reaching their full potential is worth every step. It’s a symbol of the support and care we provide as a community to help these young people flourish.

A huge thank you to our incredible Driven ‘Grandparents,’ Bob and Pat Turnure, our program coaches, and everyone who helps these moments possible. Your dedication allows us to plant seeds of hope and watch them grow.

If you’d like to continue supporting our mission or get involved in our summer programming, we’d love to have you join us. Together, we’re not just planting trees, we’re planting futures.

The Driven Foundation is dedicated to empowering youth through programs that foster leadership, resilience, and community engagement.