CASS COUNTY — Sister Lakes Elementary School got an early start on celebrating today’s Earth Day by planting a tree last week.

The tree was purchased by the school, and Cindy Checkly who is a school aide, had each classroom teacher have their students write about why trees are important to the environment.

One student per class was chosen as the winner and those students helped plant the tree behind the school.  Earth Day is an annual event hosted on April 22.

Each year, various events are held to demonstrate support for environmental protection.

First celebrated in 1970, Earth Day now includes events in more than 193 countries.

Submitted photo