Newark Youth Team Up To Plant Trees, Clean Their Neighborhoods

Students from Great Oaks Legacy Charter School (GOLCS) recently led two scholar-driven projects that brought new life to their neighborhoods—a community clean-up in Lincoln Park and a tree planting behind the Downtown Elementary campus on Chapel Street. More than 45 students from GOLCS High School and Downtown Middle School participated—showcasing their commitment to community service, advocacy, and environmental stewardship.

The clean-up initiative was inspired by a civic engagement project assigned by Warren Thompson, Community Organizer for Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District. Thompson challenged students to assess their community through research and photo documentation, then propose realistic, actionable solutions for improvement. As part of the GOLCS Student Advocacy Club, scholars Joseph Oyelowo and Kaysi Charrington took the lead—presenting their findings and outlining both strengths and challenges in the Lincoln Park area. Their presentation celebrated assets like local businesses and community book stands, while also calling attention to persistent issues such as shattered glass, litter, and homelessness.

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Their advocacy didn’t stop at words. Twenty scholars partnered with Officer Kristle Felder and Officer Duane Martinez of the Newark Department of Public Safety and Thompson himself to lead a hands-on clean-up that brought their vision to life.

“This project gave me a voice,” said Oyelowo, a GOLCS sophomore. “Instead of just complaining about the issues in our neighborhood, I was able to take action. We set the example that young people can be the change.” 

“The students thought critically and proposed action steps that were realistic and doable," said Thompson, who usually gives this project to his college students at Rutgers - Newark. "They didn’t just identify what they liked and didn’t like—they followed through with a plan and took the first step. That kind of follow-up is what builds real change.”

Read the full article on Patch.com.