On Saturday, November 9, the School District of Lancaster community gathered at McCaskey High School to honor Brother Frank Albrecht’s life and legacy through a ceremonial tree planting. 46 trees were planted across the campus as a living tribute to Brother Frank’s dedication to education, service, and environmental stewardship.
Dr. Reese, Principal of McCaskey High School, welcomed the crowd and reflected on Brother Frank’s enduring legacy. “Frank was a man of immense kindness and integrity,” said Dr. Reese. “He believed in the power of community and worked tirelessly to make a lasting impact. His presence lives on in these trees, which will provide shelter, beauty, and a reminder of his commitment to making the world a better place.”
The tree planting was made possible through the collaborative efforts of local organizations, including the Lancaster Education Foundation’s Frank Albrecht Memorial Fund, Let’s Go Outdoors, Let’s Go 1-2-3, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Naturalist Resources (PA DCNR), the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and the Keystone 10 Million Trees Partnership. Keisha Scovens, Executive Director of the nonprofit, Let’s Go 1-2-3 and Co-Founder of Let’s Go Outdoors, thanked the community for their support, highlighting how Brother Frank’s dedication to nature and education will be carried forward through these newly planted trees.
Elizabeth Soto-Albrecht, Brother Frank’s widow, shared stories of his commitment to environmental and community initiatives, describing his early love of nature growing up on a farm in Michigan. “Frank believed in the simple power of connecting with the earth,” she said. “Through these trees, we hope his spirit of giving back will continue to inspire generations at McCaskey.”
For the students at McCaskey, Brother Frank’s influence was personal. Devon Barnes, a junior and President of the newly formed Agriculture Club, spoke about his interactions with Brother Frank. He described him as a reliable presence, always offering a warm smile and words of encouragement. “Brother Frank’s mission was simple: love and kindness,” said Devon. “He saw students not just as learners, but as individuals with dreams and challenges. I’m honored to carry on his legacy through peer mediation, helping others as he helped me.”
After the ceremony, attendees joined in planting the trees, funded in part by a Tree Pennsylvania grant. The newly planted trees stand as a tribute to Brother Frank’s legacy, symbolizing growth, support, and community for future students and staff at McCaskey. Phase II of the tree planting will be in Spring 2025. For more photos, visit us on Facebook.
Thank you again to our partners:
- Let’s Go 1-2-3
- Let’s Go Outdoors
- School District of Lancaster
- Frank Albrecht Memorial – Lancaster Education Foundation
- Chesapeake Bay Foundation/Keystone 10 Million Trees Partnership
- Mira Lloyd Dock Partnership Diversity Award, PA
- Department of Conservation & Natural Resources (DCNR)
- Conservation Foundation of Lancaster County/Watershed Leadership Academy
- Tree Pennsylvania and the City of Lancaster
