Neil Burti values the importance of history textbooks in the classroom. But sometimes, he said, students have to go out and find it on their own.
After recently reading news articles about the deteriorating Mount Peace Cemetery in Lawnside, Burti, the principal of the 60-student Cherry Hill School District Alternative High School, decided it was time he and his students took action.
Mount Peace Cemetery, according to the Lawnside Historical Society, was organized in 1890 as a resting place for African Americans who were denied burial at other cemeteries because of race.
Nearly 80 African American Civil War veterans are buried at Mount Peace.
Over the years, the cemetery has become a dumping ground, overgrown with shrubbery and debris.
The Mount Peace Cemetery Association has sought volunteers to help spruce up and maintain the historical cemetery, so Burti and his students answered the call.
Last week, Burti, as well as staff from the high school and about 40 students donned sneakers and sweatpants, braving the rain to haul away dozens of bags of trash and debris.
They also added fresh American Flags to many of the graves.
Burti said students were excited to lend a hand in an effort resurrect the cemetery from its disrepair. And, at the same time, they might have learned a thing or two.
Prior to the cleanup, students received a 20-minute lesson on veterans in the cemetery, but then had the chance to beautify the tombstones of those who came before them, leaving a trail of stories and legacy.
“Students are more interested in history here. It’s more tangible than textbook learning,” Burti said. “This opportunity allows us to show our students the connection between our character development and cultural competence initiatives and the common core standards for social studies.”
Burti said he often looks to get students out of the classroom when he can, to try and engage the ninth- through 12th-graders in a different and interactive way.
Students who attend the Alternative High School, Burti said, are individuals who don’t benefit from a regular learning environment. Class sizes are much smaller than at East and West and often incorporate the use of technology into classroom learning more than the typical high school class setting.
“We offer a lot more support and we’re more holistic,” Burti said. “We offer behavioral and emotional support and mentoring. We have a strong rapport with the kids.”
Students seem to appreciate the attention Burti and his staff give both in and out of the classroom. Teachers showed up to the cleanup, shovels and rakes in hand, smiling and joking with students.
“It’s better than being in the classroom,” said senior Danny Loeffler. “It makes you feel good. We enjoyed helping.”
And as for the history lesson, many students said they’d be sure to remember this one.
