Island youth spruce, clean and dedicate garden to a fallen friend

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Several Staten Island youth used their monthly neighborhood garden planting and clean-up as an opportunity to dedicate a garden to one of their fallen volunteers -- Miles Kirkland-Thomas, the Curtis High School junior who died Sept. 1 after collapsing during his varsity football team's training practice.

Hosted outside of the 120th Police Precinct at 78 Richmond Terr., the planting and clean-up is part of an ongoing monthly effort to beautify the stretch of Richmond Terrace around the St. George Ferry terminal. The event is coordinated by Health, Education, Academic, Life Skills, Training and Help for Youths, better known as H.E.A.L.T.H for Youths.

As part of a "Love Your Block" event, the volunteers tended to flower and tree beds, and removed litter from the sidewalks. The work is supported by the Office of Councilwoman Debi Rose.

The moment also provided volunteers with an opportunity to dedicate a garden to the memory of fellow volunteer, Miles Kirkland-Thomas. Kirkland-Thomas, who played as an offensive and defensive lineman for Curtis High was only 16 when he died. Before his tragic death, Kirkland-Thomas was an active participant in H.E.A.L.T.H. for Youths' Gardening Project at the precinct, which is designed to beautify the stationhouse with the planting of flowers, herbs and shrubs.
 
"Miles spent a lot of his time working to make his neighborhood a better place to live," Councilwoman Rose said. "My hope is that this garden dedicated to his memory inspires his friends and classmates to pursue their dreams while giving back to their community."

Additional garden beds will be dedicated to civilian victims as well as officers who died on 9/11.

Ms. Rose added that the work of these dedicated volunteers, "helps make the North Shore a more beautiful place to live and work."

"As we prepare to welcome more visitors to St. George, it is important to me that we show off the best we have to offer," she said. "I applaud the work these volunteers are doing, and I encourage more young people to get involved."
 
This Love Your Block event was made possible by a grant from Citizens Committee for New York City. North Shore residents looking to volunteer to help beautify their neighborhoods should contact the councilwoman's office at 718-556-7370.

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