Naomi Mickens ’26
EE Staff Writer
In a very creative and unusual way to prepare for their Constitution Day video project, BICEN students have been rehearsing their parts by “talking to trees”. The students came up with this unique method as their own way to practice their lines before filming an educational video for Constitution Day, which premiered on September 17th.
In early September, several groups of students were spotted outside of Trumbull High School, reciting their scripted parts to trees in the surrounding areas. This unusual method of practice was in fact initiated by students. It was a way to “practice more confidently” and “engage with the material”, two BICEN students say.
“We wanted to practice without feeling self-conscious,” explained Senior Sean Galla. “Talking to the trees helped me get comfortable with my part and think about the message we’re trying to share about the constitution”.
The video project that students are collaboratively producing is done annually. It aims to highlight the importance of the constitution. Students are asked “What does the constitution mean to you?” They’re asked to find parallels between the constitution and the natural world. The students’ tree conversation coincidently serves as a metaphor for resilience, and growth. Both themes that students hope to express in their video.
One student went as far as saying, “ We see trees as silent witnesses of history”.
Although this project is student-led, Trumbull High School History teacher, Katie Boland says, “It’s inspiring to see students take ownership of their learning and find innovative ways to connect with their history.”
Local resident Earl Greene, an environmental scientist who frequently visits the area says, “This is just beautiful, many kids don’t value the resources we have right here in our backyards.”
Although the students did not think much of their tree-talking experience at first, these interactions have recently become a highlight in the Town of Trumbull.
The finished video premiered during the school’s Constitution Day in all Social Studies classes. It is also available online, for the wider community. The students are excited to share, and hope that their creative approach to practicing will have positive impacts, and encourage others to think about the constitution in new and meaningful ways.