On Saturday, September 28 students, families, and community members gathered for the fourth annual Jackson Day of Action at Jackson Middle School, sponso by Let’s Go 1-2-3 and the Hazel I. Jackson Foundation. The day was filled with civic engagement activities and environmental education, with a strong focus on honoring the legacy of Hazel I. Jackson, an influential figure in the Lancaster community and the school’s namesake.
Dr. Torres, principal of Jackson Middle School, emphasized the significance of the day: “This is a day where we honor Hazel Jackson’s legacy. She was very big into community service, and this event reflects that. Every year, we have different projects and community partners that come together to make this day special for our students and their families.”
The day kicked off with a unique hands-on activity: students decorated pots of mint, donated by the Conestoga Herb Guild, which will be placed in 60 classrooms across the school. Keisha Scovens, the executive director of Let’s Go 1-2-3, shared what their organization is about. “Let’s Go 1-2-3 alleviates barriers to outdoor experiences, and we’re passionate about introducing people to environmental education,” Scovens explained. “Through programs like this, we’re not only giving students the tools to grow their own plants but also engaging them with nature in a meaningful way.”
Scovens also shared how her organization’s involvement with Jackson Middle School has grown over the years, thanks in part to the BeWet grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. “The grant allowed us to introduce sixth graders to watershed education,” Scovens said. “Today, we’re working with eighth graders and high schoolers, helping them explore STEM careers related to the outdoors.”
For students, the day wasn’t just about plants. In line with the spirit of civic engagement, workshops focused on the upcoming presidential election, encouraging students to start conversations about voting within their families. Dr. Torres reflected on the importance of these discussions: “Even though they can’t vote yet, it’s crucial they understand the significance of civic participation. We want them to learn how they can engage with their communities early on.”
Jackson Middle School was also awarded the 2024 Community Pride Award from Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful. The award recognizes the school’s outstanding commitment to environmental stewardship through litter control, recycling, and beautification efforts, aligning perfectly with the activities of the Jackson Day of Action. “We are deeply honored to receive the Community Pride Award,” said Dr. Torres. “It speaks to the dedication of our students and staff in making our community a more beautiful, sustainable place.”
The event also saw participation from members of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., including Lauren Walker, who spoke about the importance of continuing Jackson’s legacy of education and service. “Hazel Jackson was a pivotal figure in our chapter’s history at Millersville University,” Walker explained. “As a teacher myself, being here today and seeing these students engage in activities like planting and painting is really inspiring.”
The day concluded with a free skate party at Castle Roller Skating Rink, where students celebrated their hard work and community involvement. This year’s event drew more students than ever before, a sign of growing enthusiasm for both the school and the annual tradition.
As the fourth Jackson Day of Action comes to a close, the impact of Hazel Jackson’s legacy is more evident than ever. Dr. Torres summed it up best: “It’s special because it brings everybody out on a Saturday morning to engage in something good for the community. I think Hazel Jackson would be proud of what we’re doing here today.” The Jackson Day of Action is a powerful reminder of Hazel I. Jackson’s legacy of education, service, and community-building—values that are now being passed on to the next generation.
Jackson Middle School, located in Lancaster, PA, was renamed in honor of Hazel I. Jackson, a trailblazing educator who made a lasting impact on the Lancaster community. Each year, the Jackson Day of Action is held around the anniversary of her birthday on September 20, with October 1 officially recognized as Hazel Jackson Day in the city of Lancaster.