On Earth Day, Wednesday, April 22, learning took root in a big way at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School (OLS School), where fifth graders dug into an experience that’s part education and part hands-on discovery.

OLS School became the first school in Alabama to host the innovative TICCIT program, short for “Trees Into Cartons, Cartons Into Trees” (pronounced “ticket”). This hands-on initiative, presented by Joe Piper Inc., brought environmental education to life by helping students understand the powerful cycle of renewability, sustainability, and recyclability.

The interactive program began with an engaging presentation that explored how trees are harvested, how paper is made, and why recycling plays such a vital role in protecting the environment. Students took part in a meaningful, hands-on activity to plant the school’s inaugural “TICCIT Tree,” a beautiful Kousa Dogwood, generously donated and prepared by Globetti’s Lawn Care, LLC.

To extend the lesson beyond the classroom, each student also received a tree sapling carefully rooted in a soil plug and packaged in a folded paperboard carton to take home and plant with their families. It’s a living reminder that even small actions can grow into lasting impact.

“At OLS School, we believe in cultivating not only strong minds, but also responsible stewards of God’s creation,” said Principal Mary Jane Dorn. “Programs like TICCIT help our students see that they have the power to make a difference right now.”

The TICCIT program is a national community engagement initiative developed by the Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC), with Joe Piper Inc., a Birmingham-based, family-owned paperboard supplier, proudly serving as a participating member and presenter.