In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, students at Oquenock Elementary School participated in the “Planting It Forward to 2276” initiative, creating a lasting symbol of history, community and environmental stewardship.

Presented by Suffolk County Executive Edward Romaine and Suffolk County Clerk Vincent Puleo, the initiative encourages schools and communities to plant trees that will become part of a living legacy honoring the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Generously donated by the DeCanio Family, Oquenock Elementary School planted a crepe myrtle tree as part of the program. Following the planting, the tree became part of the Living Legacy Tree Registry, a permanent historical record documenting Suffolk County’s contribution to this milestone celebration.

The project provided students with a meaningful hands-on experience that connected lessons of history, civic pride and environmental responsibility. Through the planting of each tree, students helped create a legacy that will continue to grow and inspire future generations.
The district thanks Suffolk County and the DeCanio Family for providing students with this unique opportunity to participate in a historic celebration and make a lasting impact on their community.