NASA & Richmond Police collaborate for: Thomas C Boushall Middle School Moon Tree dedication ceremony

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- NASA and RPD joined forces this Saturday, April 12 at Thomas C. Boushall Middle School for the Moon Tree dedication ceremony.

The middle school shared in a Facebook post that they will now be dedicating their moon tree to their community.

Boushall Middle School Principle Dr. Timothy Vaughn shared with 8News that they are "very honored to have this type of event for our school, we're probably about one of 7 in the state of Virginia to have a moon tree planted on the property so this is a big event not just for Boushall middle school but for Richmond Public Schools."

According to the post ,"this little tree started off as a seed that orbited the moon!"

Vaughn also added, that "the seedling from NASA went up in outer space in orbit came back down and NASA donated the moon tree to Boushall Middle School so we can continue the environmental progress of our nation in this world."

The celebration was from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and also included activities like a DJ, food, games, a story walk, community partners, raffles for gift cards and a special appearance by the lit limo.

Emmett Jafari, school board representative for the 8th district, shared what he hopes students take away from the event.

"It's a wholistic lesson that's going on out here we're planting trees and we're restoring the roots sections and support systems to other trees but a major portion of it is, is teaching our youngsters to come out and be involved in the school in something other than a school day or just a school related event," Jafari said.

He continued by saying "to share with the [students] the many different resources in our community that are there for them."

Here are some of the pictures 8News photographer William Berksteiner captured from the event:

Photo courtesy: of 8News William Berksteiner

Photo courtesy: of 8News William Berksteiner