SPEAR-IT Students Help Beautify Field Of Dreams

TOMS RIVER – Back in early March, High School South students enrolled in Project SPEAR-IT - the pre-apprenticeship program funded by the United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties’ Youth Career Pathways grant - loaded up the planters they had built for the Toms River Field of Dreams, the complex created for children of all abilities.

Recently, SPEAR lead teacher Tim O’Leary accompanied his crew on a trip to Field of Dreams to finish their work. On an overcast and drizzly morning, students worked together to fill the planters with soil, which included lugging the bags to each planter, raking, shoveling, and establishing irrigation lines. SPEAR students also spent time staining some of the playground’s post markers.

The planter project honors the program’s mission to utilize students’ newfound construction skills for the betterment of the school and community. Last year, SPEAR’s capstone project was building lifeguard stands for Ortley Beach, and in addition to this effort, students plan to work with Toms River Artist Community (TRAC) for a culminating project later this school year.