Photo submitted to Times Observer Sheffield Area Elementary School fifth graders plant the Arbor Day Tree ­ a dogwood ­ at the entrance to Sheffield Area High School.

From the beginning, trees have played a major role in the history of Sheffield.

This month, the community — with some leadership from the fifth-grade class –›w celebrated Arbor Day and gave back.

The township celebrated its 17th straight year as a Tree City USA.

That honor was presented by Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources District Forester Taylor Chamberlin.

In carrying on that tradition, the students planted a dogwood tree at the entrance to Sheffield Area High School.

The essay awards are presented in the memory of Amanda Fitch — the fifth-grade teacher who started the Arbor Day Program in cooperation with the township supervisors and the Lions Club. The essay winners — Pactric Lewis (first), James Chapman (second), and Reilly Morgan (third) — were introduced and recognized by Amanda’s husband, Jay Fitch.