Each year Pilot teams up with local organizations to give back to the community by providing up to $2,500 for various projects along with numerous volunteers to help with the work through the Pilot Gives Back Program. This year Ritta Elementary was a recipient. Prior to the event, representatives from Knox County Schools, the county mayor’s office and Ritta Elementary met to discuss potential projects for the school.
On Wednesday, April 19, the team of volunteers from Pilot and KUB met in two shifts to add river rock around the school’s signs plus trees at the school entrance, and the volunteers also planted a maple tree for additional shade with a new stone walkway for students and staff. Other projects on that day included improvements to the flower beds and adding three benches on the playground for staff and students.
Programs like Pilot Gives Back may not seem like much, but for the staff and students at Ritta, a few hours of selfless work and volunteering will provide years of improvements to their campus. David Mowry, Ritta’s assistant principal, expresses it from the heart, “Thank you, Pilot, Knox County Schools, the Knox County mayor’s office and KUB for making a difference in our community.”
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