St. John graduate improves school's playground

GOSHEN — St. John School in Goshen recently opened its new and improved kindergarten playground, a project spearheaded by Alyssa Kuehner, a junior at Burke Catholic High School and a St. John graduate.

Alyssa took on the project to earn her Girl Scout Gold Award, which represents the highest achievement in Girl Scouting. It challenges girls to change the world, or at least their corner of it.

Alyssa sought to create a safe play space where kids could be more active during their recess and outdoor gym time, to make that part of their school day a little bit better for students and teachers alike.

"I had a lot of support from the St. John's Parent Guild, the 2014 Eighth Grade Class and the St. John's Church Knights of Columbus," she said. "My friends from Burke Catholic came out to help me finish the project by spreading a never-ending pile of mulch, which was donated by Tony Monaco Landscaping. It was a little challenging meeting all of the code and insurance requirements, but with continued effort and support of my family and mentors, all of those hurdles were met and now the school has a great new play space."

In addition, the families of the 2014 kindergarten graduation class donated a new sand box for the playground.

"Our new outdoor space is amazing," said kindergarten teacher Nancy Leahy. "The kids have a safe, fun place for recess. We couldn't be happier. We want to thank Alyssa and her friends, Tony Monaco Landscaping and the families from last year's class for making this possible. It is truly wonderful."

St. John School is the oldest Catholic elementary school in Orange County, established in 1861. Currently, it educates 166 children in grades K-8. St. John School is located at 77 Murray Ave. in Goshen.