Phoenixville, PA – Flanked by friends, family and the community, Kevin and Lisa Parsons dedicated the United Way’s Born Learning Trail at the Center for Arts & Technology Pickering Campus to the memory of their son Liam, who died a little over a year ago.
“Today’s gathering and the partnerships formed for the project just go to show how good people are and the power of the human spirit,” said Kevin Parsons. “We are honored to be a part of Chester County’s first Born Learning Trail.”
The Born Learning Trail is part of the United Way of Chester County’s Early Childhood Education Initiative to provide early learning opportunities for young children.
The trail will consist of 12 signs that provide instructions for outdoor activities to help improve language and literacy development in preschoolers.
“More than 30 years of research has shown that quality early education can prepare children for success in school and in life,” said Paula Dugan, Early Childhood Education and Care instructor. “These benefits translate into higher academic achievement and career success.”
While the United Way’s Born Learning Trail was dedicated on September 12, the actual construction of the trail begins on September 24 as part of the United Way Days of Caring.
According Dugan, 80 percent of the trail will be completed on September 24 by CAT Pickering students and staff; employees from Charlestown Paving Company and CTDI, Inc.; and United Way volunteers.
“On Thursday (September 24), all the trail signs will be installed, shapes and letters will go up, and the hopscotch board will be painted on,” said Dugan. “Then on Saturday, (September 26), the Parson’s family will put the finishing touches on the trail such as planting flowers. Then, throughout the school year, students at CAT Pickering will maintain and enhance the trail.”
According to Terry Kenworthy of United Way of Chester County, CAT Pickering was chosen as the trail site for several reasons.
“CAT Pickering seemed like a perfect place,” said Kenworthy. “(The) Head Start (program is housed at the school) on campus, and all the different programs and talents the youth in the career and technical programs bring to the project.”
The impact CAT Pickering students will have on the project was evident at the dedication ceremony. Students in the Early Childhood Care and Education program conducted face painting, arts and crafts, and storytelling for children. Students in Culinary Arts made refreshments for the dedication including a cake baked and decorated especially for the event.
The Born Learning Trail is sponsored by Kevin and Lisa Parsons, the United Way of Chester County, the Center for Arts & Technology Pickering Campus, Charlestown Paving Company and CTDI, Inc. It is the first Born Learning Trail in the county.
