The Kindness Club Life Skills class recently took their dedication to personal growth and environmental stewardship to new heights by planting trees at the Olana State Historic Site as part of their Work-Based Learning (WBL) internship program. This hands-on experience is not only beautifying one of New York State’s cherished parks, but also helping students develop practical skills for future employment.
Under the direction of Lisa Foronda Schmitt and support of staff Kaniz Fatema and Tracy Simmons, The Kindness Club’s mission is to build character, compassion, and job-readiness through community engagement. NYS Park staff Patrick Tompkins (Hudson High School Graduate and Kindness Club Alum) guided the students in the planting, reinforcing valuable life and work skills such as teamwork, responsibility, time management, and environmental awareness.
“This experience gave our students the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to their community while practicing real-world skills in a structured setting,” said Life Skills teacher, Lisa Schmitt. “It’s about much more than planting trees — it’s about planting the seeds of pride, confidence, and future employability.”
The Olana State Historic Site served as an inspiring backdrop for the students’ work. Park officials Paul Harwood praised the students’ efforts and emphasized the importance of youth involvement in environmental preservation.
As the Kindness Club continues to expand its WBL program, this initiative stands as a powerful example of how education, service, and career preparation can intersect to shape responsible, skilled, and community-minded individuals.
